Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, hodgepodge edition
Lest the danger (or non-danger) of cellphone use stray too far from your mind, here's a trio of recent studies to get the juices flowing again. First, the best news: an Australian researcher has come up with a five-point ranking system to lay out the likelihood of getting cancer from partaking in various substances and activities, and if that system has any basis in reality, cellphones are "unlikely" to cause cancer -- so take it for what you will. The second study, thrown down by the Cleveland Clinic, showed a significant decrease in sperm "quality" (as determined by a number of stats) as average daily cellphone usage increased; not necessarily a short-term problem for the users themselves, but a finding their future children (or lack thereof) might take issue with. The third study brings more bad news, showing that human skin exposed to cellphone radiation altered the cells' protein expression, a potential (though by no means definitive) precursor to cancer. As always, your mileage -- and your body's mileage -- may vary.[Via textually.org]
Read - "Cell Phones No Cancer Risk, Study Says"
Read - "Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: an observational study" [Warning: PDF link]
Read - "Mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin"
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cornelius @ Feb 22nd 2008 11:10AM
Say "No" to fear-mongering.
It's really no surprise that microwave radiation affects sperm production in mammals. We've known this since the 70s.
Microwaves aren't ionizing radiation, and they lack the energy necessary to cause cellular mutation. The worst that can do is cause dielectric heating (see microwave oven), which can heat up tissue. Even the small amounts from cell phones may create subtle heat increases that just enough to affect sperm production. Again, not surprising.
But I do know guys who spend every waking moment on cellphones who have had no problem conceiving children. Bicycling also lowers sperm count... big deal.
The only studies that I've seen linking cell phones to cancer are the increased cases of acoustic neuroma, and the correlation is the same with any kind of phone usage (not just cell phones). There are only 3,000 cases diagnosed every year in the US, so there's no need to panic. Besides, correlation does not equal causation, and there are other culprits to blame (ie- stress, poor lifestyle choices, etc).
Corben @ Feb 24th 2008 1:11PM
Wow cornelius, i must say you presented your case very well, and i can't help but to agree with you..