ANOTHER TOBACCO IN THE MAKING?

Fresh evidence of health risks from cellphone use highlights the urgent need for public health warnings. Yet while organisations globally call for action, governments and public health institutions remain quiet on the subject. In the twentieth century, governments were slow to wake up to the risks posed by tobacco consumption in the face of enormous economic pressure.

Today, independent scientists and health officials have been calling for new safety standards for wireless technologies, especially to address the risk to children and young people. The updated Bio Initiative report written by 29 scientists, and public health experts, outlined the health risks arising from wireless technologies and electromagnetic fields, indicating that since 2007, the risk of harm has accumulated significantly. The experts concluded that there is a consistent pattern of increased risk of malignant brain tumours following prolonged use of cellphones and cordless phones. Pointing out the greater vulnerability of children, the report highlighted the need for new standards to be implemented to protect the young. Believed to contribute to cancer – in particular brain tumours – there is evidence these exposures also damage DNA and increase the risk of dementias (including Alzheimer’s disease) and autism.

Studies also suggest that cellphones on standby and wireless laptops damage sperm quality and sperm motility. This in turn affects fertility and reproduction. “So bad for aspiring daddies”. In 2011 the World Health Organisation’s scientific panel, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classified cellphone radiation as a possible human carcinogen. In October 2012. Prolonged use of cellphones has been reportedly associated with health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, tension and sleep disturbances.

HEALTH WARNINGS
Israel’s Parliament, recently took the lead by approving a Bill requiring all cell-phones to carry a warning when sold. The Israeli Government is one of the first to officially acknowledge the possible dangers of cell-phone use. Considering the volume and increasing urgency of recent studies, others are sure to follow. The Bill, passed in March 2012, also makes it illegal for cellphone retailers to advertise to children.  “A significant step forward in the fight to bring awareness of the possible dangers of cellphone use to the public”. It becomes the government’s responsibility to make its citizens aware of the possible risks. Russian officials have recommended that children under the age of 18 years not use cell phones at all. Similarly, the United Kingdom, Israel, Belgium, Germany and India have discouraged use of cellphones by children.

BOTTOM LINE
It took scientist more than three decades to prove a link between tobacco and cancer. Today there are over 5 million-related deaths a year. Now there is growing evidence linking mobile phones to cancer and other health related and the potential risks are much for children. We are probably waiting for the tree decades to expire. As public awareness remains vital on this issue, every phone user has a responsibility to discern what is best for their health.

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