With the growing popularity of cell phones, concerns have been raised about the safety of exposure to RF energy.
Accordingly, Health Canada recently released the guidelines on how cellphone users can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, despite scientific evidence it says is “far from conclusive” that cancer and cellphone use are linked.
Wireless telecommunications rely on a wide network of cell phone towers (base stations) to send and receive information. Cell phone towers consist of antennas and electronic equipment which serve as hubs for cell phones and local wireless networks. When you make a call with your cell phone, your phone and a nearby cell phone tower communicate back and forth using low-power radiofrequency (RF) energy.
RF energy (sometimes called RF emissions, RF waves, or RF fields) is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes microwave radiation, visible light and X-rays. Health concerns are sometimes expressed by people who live or work near cell phone tower antennas located on towers, poles, water tanks or rooftops. Yet, the consensus of the scientific community is that RF energy from cell phone towers is too low to cause adverse health effects in humans. In fact, RF exposures from cell phone towers are typically well below Health Canada’s exposure standards.
However, Health Canada recommends limit the length of cellphone calls. It advises to use text messaging instead or use hands-free accessories. It also suggests those under the age of 18 stop using cellphones altogether.The new advice is targeted primarily at heavy users and children.
Children were mentioned specifically because they are “typically more sensitive to a variety of environmental agents,” according to Health Canada. Also, there has been little research into the effects of cellphone use on children.Canada. Also, there has been little research into the effects of cellphone use on children.
Health Canada says the guidelines are part of a review of research looking at the health effects of radio-frequency emissions, including cellphones, radio signals and TV broadcasts. The department updated its guidelines in 2009 and the next update is expected in 2012.
Canada’s health agency said the number of cellphone users in the country grew to 24 million people at the end of 2010, up from only 100,000 in 1987.
