Cell phones are widely-used devices in society today. The cell phone is a useful resource, and that’s a fact. Cell phones today are used for many more purposes than simply making a phone call. Cell phones can now record videos, take pictures, surf the web, and provide endless hours of entertainment in various other ways. Unfortunately, cell phones do not only bring good news. Most cell phone users are not concerned with the bad influences, health issues, and other problems that cell phones can cause. An MIT study showed that the cell phone was voted as the, “top invention that people hate the most, but can’t live without.” Cell phones in most cases are good to have, but are they as harmless as they seem? Although cell phones are a useful and valuable tool, they can cause brain damage, impair the body, and influence societal issues.
Over time, more and more reports of brain tumors and brain damage have appeared in recent studies. “Brain cancer rates in USA have increased by 25% since 1975” (Amy Worthington). This is because cell phones are microwave transmitters. Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic wave used to transmit information from one place to another. Frequencies created by these electromagnetic waves can, “cause cancer and other diseases by in interfering with cellular DNA” (The Journal of Cellular Biochemistry). DNA There are arguments that people have been using cell phones for years without troubles, but that is because negative effects of cell phone use are only beginning to turn up. “Scientists are unsure why incidence of the disease is growing so exponentially” (“Cell Phones Shrink Brain Cells”). Scientists from Italy have proven that in some cases, radiation can assist in the growing of cancerous cells. By testing on rats, scientists have found that EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation can destroy brain cells by rapid cell aging. Cell phones are handy, but are they not a shot in the dark as well?
How can this seemingly innocent item of technology damage one’s body? Many kinds of diseases have been linked to cell phones. “Recent studies confirm that the cell and cordless phone can damage nerves in the scalp, create joint pain, and muscle spasms and tremors” (“You Don’t Deserve Brain Cancer – You Deserve the Facts”). Radiation can alter the brain electrical activity during sleep, especially to young children. Young people are especially warned to stay away from EMF radiation. In London, ‘underage’ cell phone use may be prohibited in the near future. This is in the interest of Adolescent minds. (They are normally still in the developing phase.) “Although it is unknown whether children are more susceptible to RF exposure, they may be at increased risk because of their developing organ and tissue systems” (National Research Council). “When compared to subjects with restricted use of cell phones, young people with excessive use of cell phones have increased restlessness with more careless lifestyles” (Science Daily). Lack of sleep and increased cell phone use can be a recipe for disaster. Sleep-wake patterns can be altered, along with “serious health risks as well as attention and cognitive problems” (Dr. Badre- “Science News”).
Problems have arisen, because of people multitasking, or using their cell phones while trying to accomplish everyday activities. Danger of using phones on planes, in movie theaters, grocery stores, and cars increase everyday. A report from 2003 states, “Cell phone distraction results in 2,600 deaths, 330,000 injuries, and 1.5 million instances of property damage in the United States each year.” Cell phones evoke many disturbances, as well. Phone etiquette does not have a finely drawn line, and is hard to judge, so sometimes people are unsure whether using a cell phone in a certain place is rude or not. This universal, trendy device creates habitual tendencies in this world. Some feel like they can go no where without them. “Ninety percent of cell phone owners say they use the phone while driving” (Human Factors and Ergonomics Society). People become attached to these devices, because they have grown to need it. Texting is popular with many people, not only teens. Cell phones are not just a helpful tool, either. They are a money maker, and companies have spent millions of dollars, researching to find results of cell phone safety. The findings were not good, so they don’t spread around those facts. “In 1993, the telecom industry committed $25 million dollars for a series of research projects designed to prove that cell phones are safe…they proved that federal microwave exposure standards are dangerously inadequate..” (Amy Worthington).
Just because cell phones have the ability to damage, does not imply that they are always harmful. Still, the fact remains that cell phone users know the positive facts about cellular telephones far better than the unpleasant details that also subsist. Two Hundred and Sixty-Six million people have subscribed to wireless communication thanks to publicizing of this resource’s strengths, not frailties. There are ways to be smart about cell phone use, such as using a headset, or a landline, and limiting use of the accessory. Cell phones are trendy, universal, and valuable, but are they worth risking ourselves, our brains, and our way of life?