Archive for category Health Risks of Cell Phones

Effects of Cell Phone Radiation

Posted by admin in Health Risks of Cell Phones on June 19, 2011

Radiation can be defined as energy that is transmitted in the form of rays, waves or particles. Human body is exposed to various types of radiations. Some of these radiations are harmful to our body, whereas others are not. Electromagnetic radiations are emitted by cell phones for the purpose of communication.

Effects of Cell Phone Radiation on Human Body

The amount of emissions made by cell phones is quite minimal. Our body is exposed to cell phone radiation while making or receiving calls. The radio waves given out by the mobile handsets are absorbed by the human body. This type of radiation has a mild heating effect on the living tissues in the body. It is likely that this rise in temperature does not cause any damage to the cells, per se.

However, there are indications that cell phone radiation can cause a few changes in the functioning of cells. These changes are mostly temporary in nature. The functions that get affected by radiation include activation of proteins, communication between the body cells, genetic functions etc. Though the exact reasons behind these changes have not yet been ascertained, it has been confirmed that they are not caused by heating of the tissues.

Cell Phone Radiation and Blood-brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier present in the central nervous system is responsible for restricting the passage of unwanted substances between the blood stream and the neural tissue. As the term suggests, the function of the blood brain barrier is to block or prevent certain harmful substances from entering the brain or the spinal cord, while allowing useful substances, like oxygen, in. Radio waves radiated from cell phones may enhance the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, as a result of which, some microscopic objects like bacteria may enter into the restricted zone between blood stream and neural tissue. However, it has been observed that this is minimal and does not last long. Usually, normal functioning is restored when the radiation stops. The probable cause of such a change is believed to be due to microscopic heating. No major harm due to this, has been ascertained yet. Read the rest of this entry »

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Types of Radiation

Posted by admin in Health Risks of Cell Phones on June 19, 2011

Radiation can be defined as that energy which comes from a source and passes through some material or space. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly surrounded by all kinds of radiations. Radiation is not only emitted during cancer radiation therapy, but also from microwaves, cell phones, computers and so on. Radioactive substances are seen to give out radiations for years together.

Where does radiation come from?

Radiation is produced when unstable elements lose their energy in order to become stable. For example, uranium and radium are the most unstable of all elements and emit the most radiation. Radiation is a type of energy that occurs naturally and can even be man made. When the radiation is from the Sun or outer space, then it is called cosmic radiation, and when it comes from minerals in the Earth it is called terrestrial radiation. 13% of all radiation present is man made. Break up being – 12% is produced by X-ray and MRI machines, and the remaining 1% is produced by nuclear industries. Man-made radiation is more harmful as compared to natural ones due to the fact that it is more concentrated.

Types of Radiation

There are many types of radiation present which vary in intensity and form. Depending on the type of radiation, it is seen to travel in the form of waves or particles. The primary types of radiations are Alpha radiation, Beta radiation and Gamma radiation.

Characteristics of Alpha Radiations:

* Alpha radiations are seen only in heavier elements, that is in elements with atomic number greater than 52.
* The Alpha particle is a Helium nucleus consisting of two neutrons and two protons, weighing 8000 times that of an electron with a double electric charge.
* They are positively charged particles emitted by the radioactive decay of unstable atoms.
* These particles get easily ionized, therefore are quickly stopped from entering into any material.
* Alpha radiations do not penetrate into the skin, thus even if unshielded skin comes in contact with alpha radiation, no damage is done.
* Alpha emitting particles if inhaled, absorbed (through wounds and bruises) or swallowed can prove dangerous to the human body.
* Alpha particles travel a short distance (few centimeters) through air and through solid substances – only a hundredth of a mm.
* Several instruments have been designed specifically to measure alpha radiations. However, since alpha radiations do not penetrate, the instruments fail to measure them through even fine layers of blood, water, dust, etc. Read the rest of this entry »

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