Your Smartphone: A Hidden Health Hazard?
This article is based on Carlson Tucker of Fox News Report: “TOXIC PHONES”.
It’s no secret that we, as modern American citizens, spend an estimated 4 hours each day glued to our smartphones. These electronic companions have seamlessly woven themselves into our everyday routines, essentially becoming the air we breathe. Nevertheless, despite their increasing omnipresence, the question of their impact on our health is not often explored in the public conversation. Are they truly as benign as they seem?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the government body overseeing the use of telecommunication technologies, reassures us that our beloved devices pose no danger. However, an increasing number of scientific studies beg to differ, linking the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones and other gadgets to significant health risks like cancer.
In one of such studies, the National Toxicology Program, under the auspices of the United States Department of Health, discovered definitive evidence that high exposure to cell phone-emitted radio frequency radiation could cause tumors in lab rats. Why this disparity in conclusions between regulatory bodies and independent research? The answer might lie in how the FCC evaluates cell phone radiation.
As per FCC guidelines, radiation from cell phones is measured with a distance of up to an inch from the human body. Yet, paradoxically, device manuals for products like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ recommend keeping the phone at least 0.6 inches away from your body, a guideline often overlooked in real-life settings. Additionally, it’s worth noting that many device manufacturers run advertisements showing phone usage that contradicts their own safety guidelines.
A case filed in the previous year against industry behemoths, Apple and Samsung, further highlights this issue. According to lab tests cited in the lawsuit, using a cell phone in close contact with the body exposes the user to radiation levels that are 3 to 5 times higher than federal limits permit.
While this issue may not be widely discussed in the United States, other countries have been proactive in addressing this topic. For instance, the French government has warned its public against extended cellphone use, particularly when held against the ear. Italy’s supreme court has even recognized a case linking a businessman’s brain tumor to his excessive cell phone use.
It’s worth noting that the current FCC standards are more than two decades old and predate the proliferation of cell phones. Additionally, the current radiation testing is self-regulated by the manufacturers, which raises concerns about potential bias and lack of transparency.
As our lives become increasingly entwined with technology, it’s more important than ever to understand the potential impact these devices can have on our health. By spreading awareness, we can encourage safer practices and push for more comprehensive research and regulation in this crucial area.
Updated: July 2nd, 2023
