In the early 1980’s, cell phones were only for the rich and important. The original cell phones looked quite different from our modern styles; nevertheless, they functioned the same way. Nowadays, 82% of Americans have or use cell phones. Those 82% of Americans now have the ability to communicate with approximately 60% of the world. The uses of cell phones have increased dramatically in the last couple of years, and now they are, without a doubt, an integral part of people’s lives. However, some scientists are speculating that overexposure to cell phones may prove to be harmful.

From the electrical wires in the walls, to your iPod, all electrical appliances emit electromagnetic radiation, or EMR, for short. While the frequency of EMR varies from appliance to appliance, one fact is consistent: exposure to excess amounts of EMR has been linked to brain tumors, brain dysfunction, sleep disorders, and headaches.

One case in particular that questioned the safety of the cell phone concerned a Florida businessman who accused cell phones of giving his wife a brain tumor and killing her. He had x-rays showing the location of the tumor, which, uncannily, had grown on the side of her head where she would place her cell phone for hours each day.

The Telecommunications Industry Association brought their side of the story to the case and reassured everyone that if the government allowed cell phones, then they must be safe to use. In addition, TIA said that there were thousands of experiments indicating that cell phone usage was safe – though other groups believe that these studies provide faulty evidence.

Still, the TIA isn’t alone on its opinion. Mrs. Corey Lowen, a WHS science teacher, explained, “Scientifically, radiation is only dangerous at very short wavelengths. Cell phones use longer ones, which are non-ionizing, which won’t damage cells.” A cell must be damaged to become mutated or cancerous.

“Long term radiation will not cause harm (either),” Lowen continued. “They can be compared to radio and TV waves as they both use long wavelengths.”

Research has shown that while cell phone waves are comparable to radio waves, and present no long-term health defects, they still do emit EMR waves and do cause minor effects only present while on the cell phone. These include slightly increased blood pressure, brain warming, mild fatigue after long periods of usage, and an increased chance of a tumor on the acoustic nerve.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding cell phone radiation and its prolonged effects, due perhaps in part because they are so incorporated into our lifestyles that the prospect of a flaw could cause trouble. Studies are still not conclusive and the government is not alarmed at the harms of cell phone radiation; however, whether you believe in the negative effects of cell phone use or not, precautionary actions can’t hurt.