THE LINK BETWEEN (CELL) PHONES AND CANCER: IS THERE A RISK?

Photo Credits | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

by MA.LORAINE RIVERA | Science Correspondent

In the 1990s, cellular phones (also known as cell phones or mobile phones) became widely available in the United States. Since then, the amount of time individuals spend on their phones has increased significantly, along with the huge and still growing number of cell phone users, both adults and children.

Cell phones emit a type of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves, which has caused some worries about the safety of cell phone use. The main issue has been whether cell phones raise the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck area, because these are the locations closest to where the phone is frequently held while talking or listening on a conversation. (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html) RF waves are used by cell phones to send signals to (and receive them from) neighboring cell towers (base stations). This is a type of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum that exists between FM radio waves and microwaves. Radiofrequency waves, FM radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and heat, are examples of non-ionizing radiation. They increase the energy by directly destroying the DNA (genes) inside cells. RF waves are distinct from more powerful (ionizing) kinds of radiation such as x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ionizing radiation has the potential to damage the chemical bonds in DNA. (https://www.mskcc.org/news/do-cell-phones-cause) The RF waves are generated by the cell phone's antenna, which is part of the phone's body. The waves are strongest at the antenna and rapidly lose energy as they travel away from the phone. When a person is on the phone, the phone is frequently held against the person's head. The more the user's expected exposure to RF waves, the closer the antenna is to their head. The tissues nearest to the phone absorb more energy from RF waves than any of those further away. (https://www.webmd.com/cancer/cell-phones-cancer)