Do Cell Phones Emit Radiation that is Actually Harmful?

Do Mobile Phones Emit Electromagnetic Radiation?

Yes, mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation. All cellular phones produce this form of energy as a necessary part of their operation, allowing them to communicate wirelessly with cell towers.

What Type of Radiation Do Cell Phones Emit?

Cell phones emit a form of non-ionizing Electromagnetic Field Radiation (EMF). It is comprised of two types. The first is Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, which is used in varying frequencies for the cell signal, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The second is Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation, which is generated by the phone's internal hardware and electrical components.

What Does Scientific Research Say About Cell Phone Radiation Risks?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the United Nations World Health Organization, has conducted epidemiological studies on the occurrence of cancer worldwide for quite some time.

 

In 2011, the IARC classified mobile phone radiation as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic, the same category as lead, engine exhaust, and chloroform. This means that there could be some risk of carcinogenicity; additional research into the long-term heavy use of mobile phones is needed.

 

 

In response, manufacturers of many popular cell phones have warned consumers to keep their devices away from their bodies and to minimize their exposure to radiation from cell phones.

 

Although not as directly harmful as ionizing radiation (X-rays, etc.), studies on the health effects of EMFs have shown that non-ionizing EMF radiation, such as that emitted by cell phones, can still damage and break DNA in our cells, along with causing insomnia, decreased bone density, fertility and developmental issues, and can affect brain activity.

 

EMF radiation coming from cell phones has also been scientifically linked to changing electric cell signaling through VGCC activation, which can change levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain and body and create oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in our cells. This cell mutation is a common path to cancerous tumors.

 

Our bodies are delicate electrical machines, and cell phones can create these small effects in cells that eventually lead to many neurological disorders, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues that don’t seem to have a justifiable cause.

 

One study done in Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2014 describes how radiation from cell phones can initiate chromosomal abnormalities and alter the mitotic index, which increases the frequency of aberrations over time in a living organism. Accumulation of aberrations, leading to the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, is the definition of cancer.

 

Time Magazine even published an article back in 2010 on cell phone radiation, in a report card format, describing the “worst in terms of emission” to the “middle of the pack” to “low scorers.” On their list, Blackberries, Motorola, HTC, iPhone, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sony.

 

Because children have thinner skulls and their brains are still developing, they are even more vulnerable to EMF radiation than adults, not to mention the effects of screen time and social media, yet these days many kids use a cell phone regularly.

Understanding Regulatory Limits: What is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. Regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, set SAR limits for mobile devices to ensure they are safe for public use. The FCC established in 1996 that phones sold in the U.S. have a SAR level at or below 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg).

However, SAR standards have a few limitations serious enough for the Children’s Health Defense (CHD) to sue the FCC after its 2019 decision to not review or update their 1996 health and safety guidelines. The court ruled against the FCC, calling for the FCC to reevaluate its wireless radiation exposure standards. Additionally, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) advocates for EMF exposure guidelines that are up to 400 times stricter than FCC SAR standards.

 The FCC SAR standards have the following limitations:

1. The standards are only in regard to limiting thermal effects of EMF exposure, when research has come out showing biological impacts on the body regardless of heat impacts.
   
   
2. In 1996 when the standards were set, only 15% of people used a cell phone (definitely not children), and they were only used to make calls. They weren’t kept in a pocket or on our body all day. They have not been updated to reflect the most recent technology, which uses different frequencies, different transmissions, and infinitely more sources
   
   
3. The standards tested sources placed 2 or more inches away from the body . Talking with a cell phone directly against your head will produce exponentially more direct and intense radiation than at 2 inches away.
   
   
4. The testing was done on a 200-pound 6-foot dummy with no complex human characteristics. Since their only goal was to measure tissue heating, that is a perfectly effective test. Now we know of other biological impacts, however, tissue heating—which is the whole basis for SAR—is not an effective standard. On top of that, the test did not consider developing children, pregnant women, or those with compromised immune systems, who are more vulnerable. While a “safe” EMF signal can travel only 2 inches into a grown adult’s head, it can go almost completely through a child’s smaller and more conductive head.

Effective Strategies to Minimize Cell Phone Radiation Exposure

Minimizing your exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy from your cell phone comes down to three main factors: distance, duration, and signal strength.

Distance is the most effective tool. The intensity of RF energy decreases dramatically as you move the phone away from your body. You can easily create this distance by:

• Using the speakerphone function during calls.
• Using wired headsets or air tube headphones to keep the phone's antenna away from your head.

Consider these 5 actions in specific scenarios to reduce your exposure:

1. Activate Airplane Mode with cellular service, Bluetooth and WiFi fully disabled when you are not expecting calls or using a wireless signal. This cuts off most RF transmissions.
2. Keep the phone away from your body instead of in a pocket, especially while sleeping.
3. Favor text messaging over voice calls to limit the phone's proximity to your head.
4. Avoid making calls when the signal is weak, as the phone emits more radiation to connect to the network.
5. Use a wired connection, such as an Ethernet cable, for internet-capable devices when possible to reduce reliance on wireless signals.

Think about using a cell phone radiation shield to limit your exposure to EMF radiation when you are actively using your device.

Check out the video below to discover 5 practical, easy-to-use ways to protect yourself from potentially harmful EMF radiation - starting today.

Summary of Key Safety Facts on Mobile Phone Radiation

All mobile phones emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to function. Scientific bodies like the IARC have classified this radiation as "possibly carcinogenic," indicating a potential risk that merits further research. While regulatory agencies set exposure limits, measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), these standards are seen as inaccurate and outdated. Users can significantly reduce their personal exposure by increasing the distance from their device and using hands-free accessories.

If you want even stronger, everyday protection, you can also rely on phone, laptop, and tablet cases equipped with DefenderShield’s latest shielding technology - an easy way to reduce exposure wherever you go.