Mobile Phones, Radiation, and Human Health: What We Know So Far - GroundedKiwi.nz

Mobile Phones, Radiation, and Human Health: What We Know So Far

As mobile technology evolves, questions about long-term exposure follow closely behind. Recent research has looked at both biological effects in animals and tumour risk in humans.

A Look at Male Health

One animal study exposed male rats to 4G radiation and found several changes:

  • Reduced sperm viability

  • Altered liver, kidney, and reproductive tissue

  • Lower testosterone and antioxidant levels

  • Increased sperm abnormalities

  • Higher lipid peroxidation, which may indicate DNA damage

These findings do not directly translate to humans, but they raise important questions for future research.

Tumour Risk and Long-Term Phone Use

A pooled case-control study in Sweden examined glioma risk and long-term mobile or cordless phone use. Findings included:

  • A 30% increase in glioma risk among users compared to non-users

  • Higher risk for long-term use (> 25 years)

  • Risks increased with time spent on the phone and years since first use

  • Ipsilateral (same-side) use and tumours in the temporal lobe showed the strongest association

  • Starting use before age 20 appeared to increase risk further

These studies do not claim causation, but they suggest caution when it comes to:

  • Device placement near the head

  • Early and prolonged use

  • Cumulative exposure over decades

How EMF May Affect Cells

A broad review of oxidative stress found:

  • 93 of 100 studies showed radiofrequency radiation increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)

  • Increased ROS may overwhelm natural antioxidant systems

  • DNA damage and cellular stress were observed at low intensities

This doesn’t mean immediate harm, but it suggests long-term biological interaction.

Sensible Precautions

Simple steps can reduce exposure:

  • Use speakerphone or wired earbuds

  • Keep phones out of pockets when possible

  • Avoid sleeping with the phone near your head

  • Limit device use for young people

These are low-cost, common-sense habits that don’t require fear — just awareness.

References:

  • Effects of 4G Mobile Phone Radiation on Male Wistar Rats

  • Mobile Phone and Cordless Phone Use and the Risk for Glioma

  • Oxidative Mechanisms of Low-Intensity Radiofrequency Radiation

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