WE ARE living in an advanced technological world, where our needs are fulfilled by gadgets and machines that are a result of scientific advancement. Though these inventions have made our lives more luxurious, a lot of unwanted hazards are in the offing, as these machines and gadgets cannot be considered as unmixed blessings. In all likelihood, the advent of cell phone has its own bag full of negative consequences. Right since the invention of cell phones, there has been an ongoing debate over the harmful consequences that it has on the users. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any clear cut evidence of the ill effects, especially over the long term.
In the first ever initiative from the government on the issue of health hazards of cell phones, the ministry of Telecommunication has warned people about the harmful effects of radiation from the phones. According to the ministry’s recent guidelines, the electromagnetic waves emitted from mobile phones can seriously damage the tissues of the users’ brain, leading to fatal consequences. The draft guidelines suggested measures like curtailing of mobile usage by children, pregnant women, and people suffering from heart ailments.
Since the mobile phones are usually kept closer to the ear, which is very near to the brain, giving rise to damage to some brain tissues, it has been suggested that people should switch to hands-free if longer use is unavoidable. The guidelines also strongly recommends that children below age of 16 should be discouraged from using cell phones as the tissues of children are tender and are more vulnerable to get affected. Women and Child Development minister, Renuka Chaudhary, has also urged to keep children and pregnant women away from cell phones. The government has even issued advice to service providers and manufacturers of cell phones to avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments like children and pregnant women using cell phones.
Right since the intrusion of cell phones in human life, the implications of it on health has been the topic of debate. Many studies have been carried out and are still in progress to reach a clear-cut conclusion regarding the ailments, which could occur due to the electromagnetic waves that the cell phones emits. It has been reported in scientific papers that electromagnetic waves from mobile phones may significantly increase risk of conditions such as cancer. Individuals developing such conditions rarely feel anything before the condition goes out of control.
Scientists have found that mobile signals can activate cell division even at very low power levels. Some studies have predicted an increase in blood pressure along with deviation in EEG and EKG readings as a result of mobile phone radiation. British expert professor, Lawrie Challis even believes that the mobile phones could turn out to the 21st century health equivalent of cigarettes.
In India, the growth of mobile phones is very high and the number is increasing every day. People feel proud to attach it with style statement and oblige their kids with the same, and it is quite likely that a large chunk of the users in India are children below 16. Large epidemiological studies are the need of the hour to unearth the lethal components of mobile phones that could lead to the development of ailments in the users. It deems a prompt response and diligent handling because the minutest of risk may have a larger implication for public health, as the use of mobile phones and the exposure is going north, rapidly.
Source: Merinews
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