The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
With the growing popularity of cell phones, questions have been raised about the safety of being exposed to the radiofrequency (RF) energy they emit. The number of cell phone users in Canada has risen from 100,000 in 1987 to more than 9.5 million in 2001. This rapid expansion has raised health concerns about RF exposure, including alarming media reports that appear to link their long-term use to diseases such as brain cancer. The electromagnetic energy given off by cell phones is a type of non-ionizing radiation, similar to the radiation that occurs naturally in thunderstorms. RF electromagnetic energy is used in radio communications and broadcasting, as well as in medical treatments and industrial heating. Unlike the ionizing radiation given off by X-ray machines, RF electromagnetic energy from cell phones and other devices cannot break chemical bonds. In other words, it is unlikely to damage your bodyÕs genetic material. The RF electromagnetic energy generated by cell phones can penetrate your body. The depth of penetration and the amount of energy you absorb depends on many factors, such as how close you hold the cell phone to your body and how strong the signal is. The important indication of RF exposure is the rate of energy absorbed in your body. This is called the Òspecific absorption rateÓ or SAR and it is measured in watts per kilogram. So far, there is currently no convincing evidence, from animal or human studies, that the energy from cell phones is enough to cause serious health effects, such as cancer, epileptic seizures or sleep disorders. Some scientists have reported that cell phone use may cause changes in brain activity, reaction times, or the time it takes to fall asleep. But these findings have not yet been confirmed. Cell phone use is, however, not entirely risk-free. Studies have shown that: Using cell phones while driving may increase the chance of traffic accidents; Cell phones may interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and hearing aids; and See 'Safe' on pg. Continued from pg. Cell phones can also interfere with aircraft electronics. Some studies claim that biological effects may occur at RF energy levels below the safety code limits established by the Department of Health. These biological effects are not well established and their implications for human health need further study. Right now, there is no convincing scientific evidence to support lowering the limits. Health Canada is taking part in the International EMF Project, coordinated by the World Health Organization. The goals of this project are to verify reported biological effects from electromagnetic fields and to characterize any associated health risks to humans. There is no firm evidence to date that RF emissions from cell phones cause ill health. Only you can decide if you can live with the possibility of an unknown risk from cell phone use. If you are concerned, you can reduce your risk by limiting the length of your cell phone calls and using Òhands-freeÓ devices that keep cell phones away from your head and body. Also, because of the risk of traffic accidents, do not use your cell phone while driving.
