Linda S. Erdreich stated in her report on the health effects of cell phone use that “radio waves, or radiofrequency (RF) energy, is a range of the electromagnetic spectrum” (2014) that is exuded from many common appliances. She goes on to inform that “RF energy is not ’radiation’ in the same sense as used for high frequencybecause the energy of RF is so much lower and is unable to change the DNA of cells” (2014) . On the other hand, Olga V. Naidenko, in favor of the opinion that cell phone usage increases the risk of brain cancer, stated that through her research, the “latest science points to potential risks” (2014) and that “cell phone radiation standards are out dated and may not be sufficiently protective” (2014) to consumers. The issue over whether cell phone usage can present an increased risk for cancer is a topic that has been and continues to be researched in the scientific community. The link above leads to a video by a professor who conducts interviews with random people about their knowledge on if radiation from cell phones can cause cancer (Veritasium, 2015). The answers they give are then clarified from a scientific standpoint with layman’s terms. After reading the selection and viewing the video, my initial opinion changed regarding radiation from cell phones. Initially, my impression was that they did not cause cancer. However, after reading the arguments against that opinion and listening to the breakdown given by the video, it is evident that radiation from cell phone usage over time has revealed data, although inconclusive, that a persons’ risk for developing cancer has increased (Abbeduto and Symons, 2014). The radiation from cell phone usage, just like with any other common appliance such as a microwave or radio, is not strong enough to denature DNA. However, the selection and video reference scientific research that suggest the length of time of the exposure plays a role in the inconclusive, increased risk of developing cancer. The video (Veritasium, 2015) also explains the most appropriate types of studies to get more conclusive research accomplished but discusses how those types of studies may be costly and require incredibly large test groups. The public at large can learn something from the video selection because it reviews common misconceptions about radiation. However, peer-reviewed studies from the scientific community generally mirror the opinion of the professor in the video and conclude that there is no substantial scientific evidence confirming that radiation from cell phone usage causes an increased risk of developing brain cancer (Abbeduto and Symons, 2014).
Works Cited
Abbeduto, Leonard and Symons, Frank. "Is There Sufficient Scientific Evidence to Conclude
That Cell Phones Cause Cancer?" Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Social Psychology.
3.8 (2014) : 138-147. Print.
Veritasium. “Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors?” Online video clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU5XkhUGzBs. YouTube, 3 Feb. 2015. Web. 5 Feb.
2016.
