[July 22, 2011] Why human cells don't like cell phones Tweet Jul 22, 2011 (Kuwait Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- There is a possibility that cell phones may be classified as gadgets that injure human health in a decade's time, says a medical expert. Just like how cigarettes were eventually identified as being carcinogenic, cell phones could face the same fate. Carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer. Audiology Specialist, Dr Hossam Sanyelbahaa Talaat believes cigarettes were just identified as a potential carcinogen. During the first 100 years of its existence, their popularity was not tarnished. "Just like the cigarettes, cell phones, could eventually be classified as carcinogenic and harmful to humans. I would say maybe in less than 10 years, a relatively shorter duration compared to the 'harmless' time frame enjoyed by cigarettes. Cell phones will be classified as being harmful to humans," asserted Dr Hossam, a well-known ENT professor at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He added that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned users against the dangers of using mobile phones, as of now, the gadget is safe and has no short-term effects on human beings. According to Dr Hossam, the organization (WHO) was uncertain of what the real score is. It recently announced the possible risk of cancer among mobile phone users, after finding significant evidence of increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer. About half of all primary brain tumors are gliomas, while aco ustic neuromas grow in the nerve that runs from the ears to the brain that controls hearing and balance. WHO is not sure yet whether the radiation emitted from the mobile phones are harmful or causes no harm to humans, maybe yes or maybe no. But for me, prevention is better," he pointed out. He compared cell phone usage to the widespread popularity enjoyed by cigarettes a 100 years ago, "People at that time were unaware of cigarettes' carcinogen hazards. So, nobody bothered to talk about it. The cell phone now is at the same position. Nobody knows the future consequences involved. Maybe, we'll finally see th e real score, but this time, we will not have to wait for so long," he said. He was quick to highlight that cell phones do not pose any immediate short term effects, "But we don't know the long-term effects. This is because cell phones 'invaded' our world just about 15 years ago," he elaborated. "What effect does it have on human beings after using cell phones over 30 to 50 years. We do not know yet. That is about to be discovered. Kids, stay away! Electromagnetic radiation is dangerous, according to Dr Hossam. "We are living in a world that is surrounded by electromagnetic radiation waves. Say for example, a transmission antenna; has a powerful radiation. It is more dangerous than the cell phone unit itself, but nevertheless it has a radiation level that is tolerable to humans," he added. Dr Hossam warned that electromagnetic radiation from cell phones, antennas are not only dangerous, but also have an adverse effect on children. "We are grateful to schools that have imposed a ban on cell phone usage. You know, children's skulls are not firm as the adults; their skin is thinner, so if you allow them usage of a mobile, it can affect them negatively. Take them [cell phones] away from children to avoid electromagnetic radiation," he added. In love with phones On the question of whether to stop selling and buying mobile phones, "No. We are not there as yet in that stage," he said, advising mobile users, to keep the cell phone away from the delicate parts of the body, such as a man's private parts as it could adversely affect sperm count. "It causes abnormalities in sperm counts. Women are not too affected because the ovaries are securely hidden," he jested. "Don't sleep close to your mobile phones, keep them away and if possible switch them off. Limit your talking time on cell phones, one hour limit per day is a safe margin, not more than that, and it should not be continuous," he said. When asked whether insomnia or headaches can be linked to too much cell phone exposure he answered, "It could be, but there are lots of possible reasons; so I do not want you to buy the suggestion that headaches and insomnia are connected to cell phone exposures. It probably triggers the headache, since you accumulate so much heat from the cell phones. Do not condition your mind to state that cell phones are dangerous; they are fine as I said because there is no immediate or short-term effect. So please use mobile phones, but be cautious," he reiterated. He also advised cell phone users to avoid loud volume as it could possibly affect hearing abilities which could be permanently damaged. The Kuwait Ministry of Health, according to Dr Hossam, has not studied the health effects of cell phones on the local population. "As far as I know, no research has taken place yet when it comes to this issue. However they are aware of the studies conducted outside Kuwait. The Kuwait Ministry is keen to be part of the solution," he claimed. To see more of the Kuwait Times or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kuwaittimes.net/. Copyright (c) 2011, Kuwait Times Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]