I’m familiar with the research on this potential risk, and it doesn’t look favorable for cell phones. Studies have shown certain cells of the brain can be genetically altered with prolonged exposure to the electromagnetic fields produced by cell phones. The majority of the research was performed in laboratory settings, not on actual humans (probably why cell phone manufacturers deny the link). However the results do make you think of the possibility of real risk. I love this quote from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute who just recently put out a warning to his faculty and staff warning against the potential dangers of using cell phones:
Herberman is basing his alarm on early unpublished data. He says it takes too long to get answers from science and he believes people should take action now — especially when it comes to children.
Unfortunately he’s right! Getting beneficial and important science into the mainstream takes a real long time. As with anything these days, you have to keep your ears open and weigh all the risks with the benefits. I’m lucky, my girls are only 4 and 6 and haven’t asked for cell phones yet! Here’s the link to the original MSNBC article.
