What Are Our Phones Doing to Us?
I grew up in the era of the cell phone. I got my first flip phone in 5th grade; I could only send 100 texts per month, but by the first text, I was hooked. I convinced my dad to let me get a used iPhone 3 in middle school, though it seemed that a new smartphone was being released every year. With every release, these phones were able to incorporate more of our lives. We could play games, browse the internet, post to social media, and much more. Today, I can use my phone to manage my bank account, check for class assignments on Canvas, and communicate with my family 100 miles away. If you’re anything like me, you might feel addicted to your cell phone.
It is not by any means an exaggeration to claim that we are addicted to our cell phones. When a text notification pops up, or we see that someone has retweeted us, we get a surge of dopamine in our brains. This chemical — the same one that is created in our brains when we are addicted to drugs or alcohol — causes seeking behavior. Not only does seeing a notification on our screens cause us to feel happiness, but it causes us to want more of it. By this point, we’re caught in the seemingly endless dopamine loop; we want more, and with our phones at our fingertips, we have constant access to the instant gratification that social media can provide. Can our addictions get in the way of life? Absolutely. But there is no denying the utility that phones have in our daily lives, which is why it is necessary to find sustainable ways to use your phone.
Aside from the psychological and emotional effects of prolonged cell phone use, there is a far more physical threat that is too often forgotten: cell phone radiation. We carry our phones everywhere, usually in our hands or pockets as we walk. I know that I like to keep mine in hand on a crowded bus to ensure that it doesn’t get stolen. Many of us listen to music while we walk, which usually requires our phones being on our person. We’ve grown accustomed to being in close proximity to our phones, but the danger in this behavior cannot be ignored.
Cell phones emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The term sounds scary, but don’t freak out — the radiation emitted from cell phones is considered low-level radiofrequency, which means that although it can be absorbed by the human body, it has been deemed a safe amount by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (yes, that is a thing).
One of the dangers associated with electromagnetic radiation, or EMR, is heating. When EMR is absorbed into the body, it can be transformed into heat and cause an observable difference in body temperature. The highest increases typically occur at the points of contact between the cell phone and the body. EMR has also been associated with sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, headaches, slowed reaction times, increased blood pressure, and reduced melatonin production. However, there are two human health concerns that seem to be at the top of the scientific community’s priorities: cancer and reproductive health. I believe that it is crucial that cell phone users be made aware of what the scientific community has to say on the matter.
It’s important to keep in mind that the science on cell phone radiation is relatively new. Although the first mobile phone hit the markets all the way in 1983, cell phone use has only been as widespread as it is for a little over a decade. A good scientific study takes place over a long period of time and with some degree of consistency, which is difficult to achieve when cell phones change as often as they do. You may find the scientific data that follows to be shocking, or you may find it to be lacking; regardless, remember that this is a realm of research that is in its infancy.
Cell phone radiation can be linked to cancer in a couple of ways. Exposure to non-ionized EMR has been shown to disturb the body’s antioxidant defense system, which can cause an upset in the body’s cell cycle. As you might know, cancer is initiated when the body cannot stop producing cells, so a disturbance in the cell cycle can be debilitating. Exposure to EMR can also cause damage to a person’s DNA, which can have similar adverse effects on the cell cycle. Much research has been conducted specifically on brain cancers, as the phone is typically held up to a person’s ear when they’re speaking. Some research has found that the risk of developing tumors increases with cell phone use spanning longer than ten years. In terms of specific cancers, there may be a link between cell phone use and developing acoustic neuroma, which is a tumor leading from the inner ear to the brain.
While some scientists seem to find a causal relationship between cell phone use and brain cancer, the evidence is largely inconclusive. There is far more research that disproves this relationship than proves it. Some have even found a decreased risk of developing certain cancers after using cell phones! Of course, we should always be critical of research, no matter the conclusion. Many studies of this nature have only been able to observe subjects over around five to ten years, despite the fact that many forms of brain cancer may take up to 30 years to form after first being exposed to EMR. So, while the research seems to put us in the clear for now, be on the lookout for newer studies as they emerge.
The relationship between cell phone use and reproductive health may tell a different story. Most of the research focuses on male sperm quality. Infertility affects around 15% of couples at reproductive age, with male infertility being involved in about half of those cases. This issue has been worsening over time, with average male sperm counts actually decreasing. I can’t help but to wonder: could the emerging popularity of cell phones have some part in this trend?
EMR can affect sperm quality in two ways. It can cause heating, as we discussed earlier, which can disrupt the production of sperm cells. EMR can also affect sperm non-thermally, by decreasing the production of antioxidants like melatonin, which can then contribute to male infertility. Exposure to EMR has been shown to have a correlation with decreased sperm motility, or the ability of sperm to move around. Changes in sperm viability, or the ability to survive, have also been observed. These two factors seem to have the most evidence in their favor, with some studies also finding evidence for lowered sperm counts and abnormal sperm morphology, or shape.
Overall, I’ve found that there is far more research to support a relationship between cell phone use and sperm quality than with brain cancer. Still, the research is new and constantly evolving. Will you take your chances, or take steps to decrease your risk?
Hopefully, you’ll choose to decrease your risk. You don’t need to get rid of your cell phone and move to a remote location to do this; there are a few very easy steps that you can take to make yourself safer. First, studies have shown that exposure to a powered-off cell phone does not cause a relevant temperature increase, so it’s always best to turn off your phone if you aren’t using it. Additionally, the effect of EMR on your body is partially dependent on the length and frequency of exposure, so it would be in your best interest to limit the time that you spend on your phone. Consider keeping it tucked away in a drawer while you do your homework, or allotting yourself a certain number of hours to use it. Also consider keeping your phone a reasonable distance away from you; don’t sleep with it next to your head! Studies suggest that ten centimeters or more is a safe distance at which to keep your phone.
Finally, I suggest investing in a protective case for your phone. Yes, they exist! There are several brands that you can choose from, but be wary of scams. SafeSleeve products have been tested and proven to reduce EMR exposure by 99%, blocking multiple types of radiation, including heat.
Cell phone radiation may have a potentially adverse effect on our health, but we do not necessarily have to give them up. By learning how to manage our cell phone use more effectively, we can benefit not only physically, but psychologically and emotionally. Overcoming our cell phone addictions might seem like a daunting task, but it’s one that can be taken on in small steps. I challenge you to make a small change: keep your phone tucked away in your backpack the next time you’re in class, or turn it off while you eat dinner tonight. You may be surprised by what you’re capable of!
References
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