HAZARDS OF CELL PHONE

For a nation that loves to talk, cell phones have become a lifeline. Metro Indians talk seven hours and text 56 messages a week on average, while more than 50 per cent tune in to mobile music even at work. But the figures, thrown up by a study last year by market research company IDC India, dont quite capture how much the gadget has become a part of our lives.
India is now the worlds fastest-growing mobile market, selling eight million cell phones a month.
With 250 million Indians owning a handset, youre a problem for others if you dont have one. But the power of words may just turn out to be too much of a good thing.

Mobile phones could pose serious health hazards to people, particularly children below 16 years, pregnant women and those using medical aids, according to a draft guidelines report issued by the Department of Telecommunications.
Mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close to the ear, which is very near to the brain.

Thus, the continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands-free facility seems to be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable.
The tissues of children are tender, and therefore they are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years should be discouraged from using mobile phones.

Similarly, the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by persons, using medical aids such as pace makers, defibrillators, hearing aids cochlear implants and other implants should be minimised, while the use of mobile phones or radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as intensive care units, should be prohibited.

In order to reduce the threats, posed by the use of cell phones ;consumer must be made aware.
To educate a consumer about radiation from a mobile handset, the specific absorption rate value for each hand set should be provided by the manufacturers on the website as well as in the user’s manual..

The practice of installing antennas needs to be regulated in order to protect the general public from undesired effects caused by electromagnetic fields around the antenna.
As a precautionary measure, the mobile phone service providers or manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments such as children or pregnant women using mobile phones.

Calling for raising the level of understanding about mobile phone technology and reduce mistrust and fears both real and perceived, develops an effective system of health information and communication .

“The Government of India, especially the Ministry of Health, may initiate public awareness programme in line with WHO recommendations,” it adds.