Do mobile phone waves truly cause cancer or infertility in men as rumored?

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Content

Radiation can affect health, but not from smartphone radiation

Smartphones are certified within permissible limits

No conclusive evidence of the harmful effects of mobile phone waves

For children, potential high-risk implications

Mobile phone waves pose no harm to adults, so is it advisable to keep the smartphone close while sleeping

Phone waves are harmless, but what about cell tower waves?

Interim Conclusion

The radiation emitted from phones when receiving signals is feared to impact the health of users, especially those who keep their phones nearby. Is there any truth to these concerns? What is the reality?

Perhaps you too are worried about the impact of phone waves on health, wondering why, when the harm is known, phones are still used. Reasons often revolve around hearsay, such as phones in pockets causing infertility in men or placing phones close to the chest affecting the heart. But are phone manufacturers really selling us devices emitting extremely harmful waves as rumored? If it's harmful, how is it so widespread in the market?

Radiation can affect health, but not from smartphone radiation

Radiation on phones is a form of electromagnetic radiation, not only present in phones but also in most everyday devices such as microwaves, modems, and more. Radiation exists in various levels to form different types of waves.

At levels where the wavelength is shorter, there is a higher risk of health effects. The radiation from phone signal exchanges falls under radio waves, specifically radiofrequency radiation (RF). RF waves emit safe radiation, unlike X-rays or UV rays that can have harmful effects on the body.

Wave Distribution Diagram

Moreover, for waves emitted from phones, the radiation is non-ionizing, meaning it only releases enough energy to affect temperature, not removing atoms like ionizing radiations such as UV, X-rays, and Gamma rays. In summary, some radiations are harmful, some are not, and on smartphones, it's not harmful.

Smartphones are certified within permissible limits

In fact, to protect users, smartphone models undergo radiation level tests before being sold in major markets like the EU and the US. In Europe, legislators have introduced a method to measure phone radiation through Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

SAR is based on a unit representing the amount of electromagnetic energy absorbed by the body when using a phone. Specifically, measurements are taken when the user holds the phone to the ear and when the phone is placed in a pocket. The SAR standard for radiation is set at 2 watts per kilogram, measured on 10g at the location with the highest signal absorption on the body.

The

Top 10 Smartphones with the Highest SAR Levels

Currently, the highest radiation level on a smartphone belongs to the Motorola Edge model released in 2020, with a radiation level reaching 1.79 watts per kilogram. It has not reached the threshold for prohibition, meaning all smartphones in major markets like the US and EU are considered safe, so there's no need for excessive concern. Unless there's deception, similar to the Volkswagen emissions scandal in 2015, controlling radiation is easier than reducing emissions, so no company would go through the trouble of cheating.

No conclusive evidence of the harmful effects of mobile phone waves

Until now, except for the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classified phones as a potential carcinogen in 2011. However, according to the US National Cancer Institute, the 2011 IARC studies were limited and lacked high validity due to an uneven cancer rate among participants.

Some reputable organizations like the US Environmental and Health Commission have also confirmed that there is currently no scientific evidence proving that mobile phone waves are harmful. Additionally,

FDA

The United States has conducted biological studies on RF waves, finding no correlation between signal reception levels and the health of exposed individuals.

For children, potential high-risk implications

While not affecting adults, concerns arise about the potential impact of RF waves on children and fetuses. Specifically, phone radiation can affect the DNA of young children. As their body parts and structures are not fully developed, they cannot block RF waves as effectively as adults.

Even the website of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States provides recommendations to limit young children's proximity to phones, such as: Restricting phones near a child's head, using external speakers and devices that emit fewer RF waves, maintaining distance between wireless devices and children, and other precautions to ensure the safety of young children.

Therefore, parents should be cautious not to expose young children excessively to phones, especially keeping them away from the head. This unintentionally subjects children to RF waves. Utilize technology devices like tablets or TVs for children to view from a distance, minimizing undesirable impacts.

Mobile phone waves pose no harm to adults, so is it advisable to keep the smartphone close while sleeping

Although radiation from phone waves doesn't harm the health of adults, it's advisable not to place the phone right next to you when sleeping, ensuring safety for both you and your phone. Firstly, placing the phone on the bed or even under the pillow can lead to overheating and unexpected accidents, especially when charging.

Secondly, having the phone nearby encourages prolonged phone exposure before sleep, inadvertently affecting your sleep. The blue light from the screen makes it harder for you to fall asleep.

Additionally, keeping the phone close while sleeping increases the risk of oversleeping. Having the phone nearby makes it easy to snooze the alarm without getting up. This can lead to oversleeping and being late for work, I've been through that.

Phone waves are harmless, but what about cell tower waves?

Unlike phones, the transmission towers emitting waves have higher power and much higher radiation levels. While there aren't specific studies, numerous articles and real cases indicate potential impacts from prolonged exposure to transmission towers, especially in areas with high-power transmission. From fatigue to insomnia and memory loss (source:

Nhân Dân

), Due to the considerable emission power, the potential negative impact on users of the transmission tower remains significant.

However, this will only occur if the transmission tower operates at excessively high power, which is not permitted in areas with inhabitants, especially urban or residential areas. Therefore, we can somewhat feel reassured about phone towers within city limits.

Interim Conclusion

In general, there is no conclusive evidence or proof of the harm or influence of phone waves on the human body, excluding children. Hence, there's no need to overly worry about the potential harm of phones, as they wouldn't be sold if they were harmful. Instead, focus on other potential harmful factors when using phones for extended periods, such as loss of concentration, sleep disruption due to blue light, neck strain from phone usage, etc., to proactively safeguard your health!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of radiation do smartphones emit, and are they harmful?

Smartphones emit radiofrequency radiation, which is classified as non-ionizing radiation. This means it doesn't have enough energy to remove atoms or cause harm like ionizing radiation such as X-rays. Current evidence suggests that smartphone radiation is not harmful to adults.

How do smartphone manufacturers ensure their devices are safe regarding radiation levels?

Smartphone manufacturers conduct radiation level tests before releasing devices in markets like the EU and the US. These tests measure Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to ensure radiation levels comply with safety standards, keeping them within the permissible limit of 2 watts per kilogram.

Is there any scientific evidence proving that mobile phone waves are harmful?

No, reputable organizations such as the US National Cancer Institute and the FDA have found no conclusive evidence linking mobile phone waves to health issues. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified phones as a potential carcinogen, but this classification lacks strong scientific backing.

What precautions should parents take regarding children's exposure to mobile phones?

Parents should limit children's exposure to mobile phones, especially near their heads. Recommendations include using external speakers, keeping phones at a distance, and opting for technology devices like tablets or TVs to minimize RF wave exposure while ensuring children's safety.

Should adults keep their smartphones close while sleeping for safety?

While smartphone radiation is not harmful to adults, it's advisable to avoid placing phones close when sleeping. This prevents overheating, reduces blue light exposure that disrupts sleep, and minimizes the risk of oversleeping by making it easier to hit the snooze button.

How do cell tower waves compare to smartphone radiation in terms of health risks?

Cell tower waves emit higher power and radiation levels than smartphones. Although specific studies are limited, prolonged exposure to high-power transmission towers may lead to health issues such as fatigue and insomnia. However, safety regulations prevent excessive power near populated areas.