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Just Five Minutes on a Cell Phone Can Trigger Cancer

Just five minutes of exposure to mobile phone radio wave emissions can trigger cellular changes that occur during cancer development, according to new research.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, found that mobile phone signals induced the production of natural chemicals that stimulate cell division and growth – central to the growth of tumors -- even at very low power levels.

Until now, the mainstream scientific assumption has been that electromagnetic radiation could only pose a health hazard as a result of thermal heating. However, this may not necessarily be the case.

According to Professor Rony Seger of the Weizmann Institute, “The real significance of our findings is that cells are not inert to non-thermal mobile phone radiation... The changes we observed were clearly not caused by heating.”

Other scientists are quick to point out that cell division occurs naturally, as tissues grow and constantly rejuvenate within the body, and that this study does not prove any health effects.

Graham Philips with the campaign group Powerwatch said, “Further research is required, however guidance based purely on thermal effects is clearly out of date.”

The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR), a government and industry-funded investigation into the potential health hazards of cell phones, launched in 2001, is scheduled to publish its final report next month.

Telegraph.co.uk August 31, 2007

 



Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

You really want to make sure you understand this issue folks. It has all the similarities of the tobacco industry when your parents were your age. There was “no proof,” and the industry denied ANY connections to cancer. 

Of course we now know that isn’t true. I am absolutely convinced as more and more studies are done it will confirm the very serious dangers of cell phone use.  I believe the major difference however is that it will be shown that cell phones are far more dangerous than smoking.

Cell phone use is growing exponentially, and some 750 million cellular phones will be sold this year alone.

Please consider starting your exploration of the truth about cell phones with the best extensive scientific review I have seen.  The full-text article was published in the British journal The Lancet, and is is available for your review.

What Is Cell Phone Radiation?

Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phones is a topic that provokes a good deal of controversy. Many experts believe that the radiation is too low-level to cause harm. However, they often base this on an examination of thermal or heat-related effects. The danger from cell phones is far more likely to originate in the low-intensity pulsed microwave radiation that the phones emit.

All electromagnetic energy falls somewhere on the electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation to microwaves, x-rays, and gamma rays.  

ELF fields include household appliances and overhead power lines. Scientists agree that ELF fields are hazardous to human health. It’s considered "possibly carcinogenic," and has been linked to cases of childhood leukemia. 

Common frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum include: 

  • Electric Power 60 Hz
  • AM radio 1 MHz
  • FM radio 88-108 MHz
  • Cellular phones 800-2200 MHz
  • Microwave ovens 2450 MHz
  • X-rays, more than 1,000,000 MHz 

It’s a proven fact that at extremely high frequencies, like that of x-rays, the electromagnetic particles have enough power to break chemical bonds and cause serious damage to human tissue. This is known as ionizing radiation.  

Since X-rays have the power to damage the genetic material of cells, they can lead to cancer and birth defects—which is why you wear a lead vest during x-rays to protect the surrounding areas from unnecessary damage. 

At lower frequencies, such as the microwave range used by mobile phones and base stations, the energy emitted is too low to break chemical bonds (non-ionizing radiation). This is the main staple argument by those who believe that cell phone radiation is completely harmless.  

Perhaps the most interesting, and perplexing thing to note here is this: Although extremely low frequencies (ELF’s emitted from appliances and power lines) are known to be carcinogenic, and high levels of radio frequency energy are known to create heat that damages biological tissue, the scientific community is extremely hesitant to attach any kind of danger to the in-between frequencies where cell phones operate.

What Proof is There of Harmful Effects?

There is now a growing body of evidence showing that long-term exposure to this kind of cell phone radiation can indeed put your health in danger. Studies have linked cell phone radiation to issues like:  

Although cell phone radiation is of low intensity, the oscillatory similarity between this pulsed microwave radiation and certain electrochemical activities within your body raises serious concerns. 

Your body is essentially an electromagnetic instrument, controlled by highly complex and orderly oscillatory electrical processes. Each one of these electro-biological processes vibrate at a specific frequency—some of which happen to be close to those used in modern GSM cell phone technology. 

The pulsating, low-intensity microwaves from mobile phones can exert subtle, non-thermal influences on the human biology because microwaves are waves. As such, they have properties other than just intensity (which is the part regulated by safety guidelines). 

Therefore, much in the same way as a radio can receive interference; your biological processes can be interfered with by the oscillatory aspect of the incoming radiation. 

Highly organized electrical processes at the cellular level are especially vulnerable to interference from cell phone radiation, because their frequency happens to fall within the microwave range.

Additionally, as I explained in my article “Report Links Power Lines to Cancer” just a few of days ago, a Swedish physicist named Bo Sernelius, discovered that electromagnetic forces might act on cells by affecting the attractive forces between them, without thermal heating – just as they claim in this study above. If you missed that article, I recommend you read it now. It may shed further light on how tissue damage can occur from cell phone use.

Are Some Cell Phones Safer Than Others? 

While many of the biological activities mentioned are influenced by your individual metabolism -- meaning the effect of the radiation will be different from one person to another -- the effect could also depend on the type of cell phone you use, as different cell phones emit radiation at different frequencies. 

As of 2000, all cell phone manufacturers must place labels on their phones disclosing their radiation level. To find the specific radiation level of the phone you’re using, you can also visit the FCC web site and look it up by brand. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the specific absorption rate (SAR level) only refers to the intensity of the radiation (watts emitted). It does not measure the pulsating, oscillatory action of the waves, nor are there any safety guidelines. Meaning, there’s no safety guideline forbidding frequencies between 45-55 Hz, for example. 

Some researchers have shown, that it is this oscillatory action—the wave frequency—that can cause severe damage, simply because some of the vibrations are so similar to that of the brain itself.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Some common sense approaches include:

  • Keep your cell phone use down a much as possible (my use is less than five minutes per year.)
  • Get a cell phone with a good speakerphone and always use it.
  • Keep the phone as far away from your body as possible.
  • Restrict your children’s use of cell phones, as no one knows just how severe the health impact may be after a lifetime of exposure.


Related Links:



Comment on This Article Community Comments (54)
 
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
"Government guidance that mobile phone use is safe is based on the mainstream scientific assumption that electromagnetic radiation from devices such as mobiles could only cause health hazards as a result of heating."

That's almost funny: "mainstream scientific assumption that electromagnetic radiation from devices such as mobiles could only cause health hazards as a result of heating."

21st century mainstream "science" apparently still operates under 19th century biological constructs.

This is similar to a cosmetics industry -- with government approval -- that still judges the safety of products based solely on local skin reactions, while ignoring systemic absorption via skin AND lungs.

That said, cancer is a complex, poorly understood beast. There may be many factors at play in the difference between the triggering of premature cell division and the development of a malignancy. Cancer requires specific mutations to stop itself from being attacked, to continue to proliferate, to establish its blood supply, etc.

These and other wavelengths completely envelop us always, from radios, wi-fi (how many of you have wireless routers?), TV, and perhaps most importantly, the sun. The researchers here used very low power levels, so I wonder if using an earpiece makes a hill of beans worth of difference?

Trying to find cause and effect reactions with this is like trying to find cause and effect with the hundreds of chemicals we expose ourselves to. I'll keep my concern on a level that does not ruin my enjoyment of life, and I'll continue my occasional cell phone use.

 
Swami Barmi
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 10/2006
Swami Barmi  
Replied

Pat Ormsby
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
Pat Ormsby  
 
Posted On Sep 24, 2007
I wish to cordially thank Dr. Mercola for taking a stand on this issue! For the past ten years I have been fighting for recognition of the abundant evidence of biological effects from electromagnetic fields (more than 20,000 studies dating as far back as 80 years) and for people‘s right not to be irradiated against their will. I can attest that everything Dr. Mercola has said above is backed up by solid research. I urge interested people to visit the Bioinitiative website: www.bioinitiative.org Quoting Irish mudraker Claud Cockburn, "Never believe anything until it‘s officially denied." Probably a good rule of thumb in these times.


smenzel5
Novice User Novice User Joined On 5/2007
smenzel5  
 
Posted On Sep 25, 2007

there are many studies that prove cell phone dangers. Dr. Carlo was hired by the cell phone industry in 1995 to prove that they were safe. He could not, he has written a book the cell phone industry has tried to eliminate. Please contact if you'd like to know what he recommends for safe proofing our phones. smenzel5@hotmail.com


 
 
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
I have had a cell phone chip on my cell phone for over a year.  This product has been available for some time now.  I have copies of 4 tests done in 4 different universities from around the world which prove that the stress levels in the body remain normal while using it.  The site is www.bioprotechnologies.com .  Come on people, protect yourself.

 
Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
Replied

Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
sorry, that was www.bioprotechnology.com  


schnauzermom
Novice User Novice User Joined On 8/2007
schnauzermom  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
I have one of those, but it is a personal medallion. I beleive in the technology. I feel better, calmer and even.


JoyWAHM
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
JoyWAHM  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007

Thank you, that is a great resource! I would like to get rid of our cell phone because it makes me feel tired after using it. After learning about the radiation from it I want to get rid of it and don't mind paying the huge cancellation charge. But my husband needs a cell phone for work and I wasn't sure what to do about that. This is something I'm definately going to look into, for those times where he has to use the cell phone.

Thanks again,

Joyce

For some of the healthiest foods:

www.vitalchoice.com/index.cfm  



alm260
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
alm260  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007

Not that I don't believe in this, but we don't know you or your studies.  I would like to see what Dr. Mercola's opinion is on this and see him research it and post his opinion/comments on this product.



smenzel5
Novice User Novice User Joined On 5/2007
smenzel5  
 
Posted On Sep 25, 2007

Yes, we would be happy to help you find what you need. We are BioPro consultants and have our own site at www.mybiopro.com/menzel


 
 
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
There was a story on CNN recently regarding the problem that hospitals are experiencing with cell phones interfering with the functioning of critical life support technology in the hospitals. ... It amazes me that no-one says anything about how this might reflect in some way just how constantly holding a cell phone up to ones head and emitting the waves into your head, might just have an effect on the functioning of the cells in your body and most importantly your own brain.

 
shiva
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 10/2006
shiva  
Replied

Reesacat
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 1/2007
Reesacat  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
Shiva, great point!  I was looking for something to explain to people that they could relate to-this is a good one.  Thank you!


Angelica_LA
Novice User Novice User Joined On 7/2007
Angelica_LA  
 
Posted On Oct 11, 2007

Most hospitals in the U.S. prohibit the use of cell phone in the hospital, especially on the floors where patients are staying.

This is a safe and sound policy for protecting not only the heart patients whose pace makers or other machinery will be disrupted by cell phone activity, but for everyone in the hospital, doctors, staff and visitors.


 
 
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
Epidemologically, I can assure you those paying out on increase brain cancer deaths in life insurance policies are tracking whether or not there is or is not a connection and will insure in the future accordingly.

 
Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Replied

dempoolguy
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 3/2007
dempoolguy  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
Wow.


Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
When you sign up with Verizon, the small print states that you cannot sue the company for any health issues that you have with the celll phone.  Also insurance companies will not insure employees in the cell phone industry.

 
 
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
Does this also apply to cordless phones in the house?  Not cell phones, but the old Uniden (or whatever) cordless phone with base, etc.

Many thanks!

 
kelann
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 1/2007
kelann  
Replied

Swami Barmi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
Swami Barmi  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
I don't know how readily it applies to ANY phone. They used a frequency "similar" to that produced by a mobile phone. What frequency at what power is unknown until the actual study is released. I've seen so many studies that provided such convincing -- and alarming -- conclusions, yet digging deeper into how the study was executed reveals that its real-world relevance is non-existent. Not only did they apply a "similar" frequency to isolated cells, there are many things we don't know about how their arrangement's impact on cells differs from a real cell phone with real human anatomy. Also from the article:

Dr Simon Cook, a biochemist at the Babraham Institute near Cambridge, said: "The reason people are intrigued by this is this pathway is frequently activated in cancer.

"The research is certainly interesting, however they saw a very transient activation of this pathway, which we know is not sufficient to promote cell division.

"In cancer you see a much stronger, persistent and sustained activation and even this is just one of many changes required for cancer development."

So far this study does not concern me.



Sheila C
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
Sheila C  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
I think the big difference is that cell phones, microwaves and even your computer monitor emit radiation, whereas most electrical appliances don't.  I would think the radiation does more damage than the electrical frequencies.  Although I am sure both are harmful.


Reesacat
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 1/2007
Reesacat  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
Good point, Shelia C.  Also, with cell phones you are holding it up to your head.  Most of us do not stand right next to the microwave
or hold our computer next to our heart (well, physically!).

Probably like everything else, some people are more sensitive to EMF fields and radiation from appliances than others.

I prefer to err on the side of caution-if a simple device on the cell-phone
or headset shields you, why not use it?  Cheap insurance.


Swami Barmi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
Swami Barmi  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007
"I think the big difference is that cell phones, microwaves and even your computer monitor emit radiation, whereas most electrical appliances don't.  I would think the radiation does more damage than the electrical frequencies.  Although I am sure both are harmful."

All of your appliances emit radiation. The wiring in your house emits it. Whether the radiation is ionizing or non-ionizing is determined by the wavelength (electrical frequency), and at this point in the electromagnetic spectrum, the radiation we're talking about is non-ionizing.

"Also, with cell phones you are holding it up to your head.  Most of us do not stand right next to the microwave or hold our computer next to our heart (well, physically!)."

This is one of the things I'm trying to figure out and I would hope some of these researchers will as well. The study seemed to be focusing solely on the signals by which cell phones transmit and receive conversations. Your cell phone needs to send and receive these signals to the nearest relay tower, who knows how far away. I can't imagine that using an earphone instead of having the cell phone to your ear is going to make any difference in reducing your exposure to this energy. A couple of feet within the span of some number of miles isn't going to change the amount of energy you're exposed to. There's another source of energy that doesn't seem to be in consideration and that's the energy we were talking about before: the electromagnetic energy associated with electrical power supplies and components. No, we don't have a microwave or computer held to our heads, but the power supply of a cell phone is also far, far smaller.

These are some of the reasons why I'm skeptical about the problem. Then again, I also don't spend hours at a time with a cell phone planted next to my head either. I use mine for about a minute at a time once or twice a month.


Pat Ormsby
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
Pat Ormsby  
 
Posted On Sep 22, 2007

Cordless phones are as bad as cell phones, maybe even worse.  The DECT system in Europe is notoriously bad.  The systems that seem to cause the most trouble are wi-fi, TETRA (police radio in Europe), DECT and 3G, but people can develop sensitivities to any frequency, including normally healthy solar radiation.  What appears to set these sensitivities off are heavy toxic exposures of various kinds:  pesticides, ionizing radiation, heavy bombardment with radio-frequency radiation, etc.  There is very little information from America on what besides wi-fi is hurting lots of people because there is so little awareness in the US and because the media are so tightly controlled.  Awareness and steps to reduce exposure to the variety of sources out there may pay off health dividends to you as it has to me.


 
 
 
 
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