Although some scientists may be skeptical about mobile phones causing brain tumors, research shows that a continued use of cell phones increases the risk of developing brain cancer. Quoting a 2002 study by Dr. Lennart Hardel, Bhatia, Sharma, and Chhabra (55) noted that there was a high incidence of occurrence of brain tumors on the sides people used to make or receive calls. Further, Bhatia, Sharma, and Chhabra (55) indicated that brain cancer rates increased by about 25% since 1975. Although the causative links to the RFR (radio frequency range) are not conclusive, it is interesting to note that during the same period, the RFR increased significantly.
Moreover, Kesari, Siddiqui, Kumar, Meena, and Verna (191) pointed out that exposure to mobile phone radiation affects the Protein Kinase C (PKC) structure. Previous studies show that different levels of alteration of PKC alongside brain activation of the several isozymes resulted in brain tumors. Utton opined that scientific data demonstrated that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from wireless devices disable the safety barriers of the body that protect the brain from harmful substances. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland confirmed similar trends. The research results indicated that a one-hour exposure to mobile radiation triggered potentially dangerous cell changes. Despite some research showing no link between the exposure to mobile radiation and brain cancer, the available data is enough to prompt precaution measures. Zuckerman, Bravo, Casciotti, Cole, Brooks, and Calvin suggests the following precautionary measures
Limiting the number of calls
Restricting the length of the calls
Use hands-free cell phone headsets
Put the speaker of the mobile on or hold it away from the ear
Avoid carrying the cell phones close to the bod like in pockets or belts
Alternate the sides when using phones
Text instead of calling (not when driving)
Avoid using the phone when there is poor connectivity.
Research is ongoing about the issue, and more details may emerge with time.
Works cited
Bhatia, Sharma Varum, and Chhabra, Vishal. Neuropsychiatric Effects of Mobile Phones. DELHI PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL Vol. 11 No.1. 2008. PDF file. Accessed on March 13, 2016 from <http://medind.nic.in/daa/t08/i1/daat08i1p52.pdf>
Kesari, Kavindra Kumar, Siddiqui, Mohd Haris, Kumar, Shivendra, Meena Ramovatar, and Verma HN. Cell phone radiation exposure on brain and associated biological systems. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology Vol.51, March 2013, pp. 187-200. Pdf. Accessed on March 13, 2016 from <http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/16123/1/IJEB%2051%283%29%20187- 200.pdf>
Utton, Tim. "Radiation from Mobiles May Lead to Brain Damage." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. Web. 13 Mar. 2016. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article- 124179/Radiation-mobiles-lead-brain-damage.html>.
Zuckerman, Dian, Bravo, Brandel France, Casciotti Dana, Cole Megan, Brooks Krista, and Kalvin Hannah. Can Cell Phones Harm Our Health? - Stop Cancer Fund." Stop Cancer Fund. 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2016. <http://www.stopcancerfund.org/p-brain-cancer/can- cell-phones-harm-our-health-2/>
