Mobile phone addiction Everyone knows mobile phones are a big distraction – but this study found they can also threaten physical health.
Scientists have warned that mobile phone users around the world should consider cutting down because of fears that radiation from mobile phones causes cancer.
Although handsets are now using much lower levels of radiation than those studied in research that showed the link with cancer in the 1990s, concerns remain because mobile phone use is now so extensive.
Mobile phones have been used by four billion people for 14 years, and mobile phone sales are rising rapidly.
In a report on mobile phone use published today, scientists from France’s national research institute into occupational risks in Caen warned mobile phone users that “precautions” should be taken.
They called for mobile phones to use earpieces rather than the mobile phone held against the ear, and to hold mobile phones away from the body when making calls.
The report comes just three months after mobile phones were classified by the World Health Organization as a possible carcinogen.
mobile phone addiction
It advised mobile phone users to text rather than talk, and children under 16 should only use mobile phones for essential purposes after consulting a physician.
Today’s report calls on mobile phone users to take precautions such as keeping mobile phones away from their bodies when they are switched on.
mobile phone addiction
It recommends mobile phone handsets should not be kept close to the body, such as in a trouser pocket, and mobile phone users should use an earpiece and hold mobile phones away from their bodies when they can.
“People who spend a lot of time on mobile phones could consider using hands-free kits and holding mobile phones away from their bodies,“ said co-author Agnes Rycroft, a senior research fellow at the University of Caen.
The report followed a review of previous studies and international mobile phone use data since 1992.
It is published in De De Morgan, which is considered by most to be the most influential magazine in Belgium.
It has also been published on the mobile phone addiction awareness website, Digitalhealth.net.
The mobile phones report is entitled “Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phone use” and was written by scientists from the University of Caen, France’s national research institute into occupational risks.
Mobile phones are classed as “possibly carcinogenic” in the report, but mobile phone industry body Mobile Europe said it was not taking any notice of mobile phones being classified as a potential cancer risk.
Industry representative Denmark Telecom said mobile phones were part of people’s lives and another organization, Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), added mobile phone use was important for mobile phone companies.
GSMA representative Bjorn Brandt said mobile phones were used in developing countries where they were needed for mobile phone use and in developed areas of mobile phones that people found convenient.
Dr. Samet also argued there were more mobile phone users worldwide than ever before, meaning the health effects of mobile phone use were an increasing area of public health concern.
Today’s mobile phone report warns mobile phone users that mobile phones could affect hormone levels, sperm motility, and neurotransmitters in the brain.
It also states that mobile phone use may have “effects on nervous system function,” but that these mobile phone effects are not yet fully understood.
The mobile phone industry says mobile phones are safe.
A statement from mobile phone operators
Mobile phones were not classed as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, in May.
“No mobile phone has ever been submitted to testing before IARC, who publishes their findings,” said mobile Europe representative Denmark Telecom.
“We will not be taking any notice of this report on mobile phone use.”
Mobile phones have been used for decades, and there have been no reports of anyone contracting cancer as a result of their use.
“Mobile phones are one of the most tested mobile devices, and we have never received any proof that mobile phones cause any damage, said mobile Europe’s representative, Bjorn Brandt.
“People will still feel mobile phones are safe because they do not get sick from mobile phone use.”
The mobile phone industry has several hundred mobile phone operators, mobile phone firms, and mobile manufacturers in its membership.
Denmark Telecom, a Democratic representative, also stated that mobile phones were important to mobile phone companies.
Mobile phones are used in developing countries where they are needed for mobile phone use and in the developed world where people find them convenient, ” added Mr. Brandt.
Agnes Rycroft said mobile phones should not be kept close to the body, such as in a trouser pocket, and mobile phone users should use an earpiece and hold mobile phones away from their bodies when they can.
Mobile phones should be used safely, mobile phone industry reps said.
“The mobile phone industry calls for mobile phones to be used safely,” said representative Bjorn Brandt.
“We follow strict safety guidelines set by mobile phone manufacturers and mobile operators.”
Denmark Telecom added that mobile phones were important for mobile operator business, but he did not know mobile phone operator growth figures.
“Mobile phones are an essential part of mobile phone service,” said Mr. Rycroft.”
“We rely on mobile phones for mobile phone use, mobile internet mobile services, and so mobile operators must follow mobile safety guidelines to ensure our mobile phone use is safe.”
