Cell Phones: Are they Hurting your Brain?
Emily Lee on 01 March 2011 “Ring, Ring!” There’s no doubt, we are constantly on our cell phones with your parents, siblings, friends, etc. After an hour phone call (gossiping) with your best friend, your parents might say, “don’t talk so long on the phone because it is bad for your brain.” Does this sound familiar?
Have you wondered if radio frequencies coming out of the cellphones actually have any impact on your brain?
As described by Dr. Richard Besser in an interview, according to a double blind experiment conducted recently, 47 people had cellphones strapped onto each of their ears: one cellphone was off and the other one on but muted to appear inactive. After 50 minutes, the participants were placed in a scanner to measure brain activity. The researchers discovered that the side of the brain exposed to the cellphone had used more glucose, or brain fuel, indicating higher brain activity. For the first time, researchers can say definitively that cellphones do affect brain activity.
Is there a connection between cellphones and brain tumors?
Image Courtesy of ahmedamiruddin.wordpress.com
According to a 9-year study in the United Kingdom, researchers were able to observe no connection between cellphone usage and brain tumors. However, the data were scattered, so there is still no consensus as to whether there is any direct connection. Children have started using cellphones at an earlier age and have been exposed to them for a longer period of time. Therefore, no one is convinced that researchers can say definitively that there is no connection.
Are you concerned about increased brain activity? If so, what should you do?
Unfortunately, scientists are still unsure if the high glucose activity in the brain, caused by cell phones, is good, bad, or indifferent. Yet, researchers and doctors highly advise limiting your cellphone exposure, since it is still possible that long term usage may be detrimental to your health. If you are concerned about cellphone impact on your brain, you can reduce your exposure by using the speakerphone, hands free device, or ear buds to decrease your brain’s vulnerability to radio frequencies.
