This post is probably going to be biting a big chunk of public opinion; but, what do you think of the latest news reports on the alleged risk for long-termed use of cell phones causing brain cancer? Should people be sounding the alarmist call to action; to reject or limit cell phone use, out of fear of getting cancer, when all of the statistics are so conflicted?
In our daily lives, we are exposed to multiple sources of electronic magnetic fields through our televisions, radios, microwaves ovens, thunder & lightening storms, computers and yes, even our cell phones. What kind of impact does the safety of the electronic influences in our lives have on our health? Many people question the safety of cell phones and the alleged relationship between cell phones and cancer of the human brain.
The question is…for those with brain tumors…how do we know for sure what is the direct source of contamination? And really, for the patient who is diagnosed with a brain tumor…is that really their main concern? Or do they just desire to be cured; allowing them to go on and have a productive, healthy life?
Scientists, who study such things as cause and effect, are very conflicted about the facts. There are those who do the studies with a preposed starting position or belief. A true scientist, will disregard a held belief and rely on the data as the only only truth, if the statistics are done correctly. How does a regular person interpet these studies to make an informed decision about their own cell phone use?
A person has to question the source of funding in many of these studies when the statistics are published proving or disproving the conclusion of the study when the final results appear to validate a self serving position. Meaning…if a cell phone company funds the research; and it upholds their position that cell phones are safe and have absolutely no ill effects on humans, then the results have to be considered a bit one-sided.
On the other hand, if a company that holds a belief that cell phones are evil and that they pose the greatest risk to human health ever known to mankind, funding a research project; and, it “proves” their preposed belief…then, you have to question the results of that study as well. Somewhere in the middle, probably lies the truth. What is needed is a comprehensive study of research that is funded by an independent source; a research project who’s testing results will not have any bias; or, an independent source that will not benefit, in any way, from the ending results.
If such a research project was done independently; and it said that cell phone use definately increased your risk for cancer; would you continue using it? How many minutes or hours a day do you use a cell phone? Or, do you avoid cell phone use? Do you let your young children use a cell phone regularily? Send a comment on what you think and believe about this issue?
Write where you are 
Hi Writeasrain,
you started with a fantastic word at the very beginning, namely “statistics”!
The reality is that one can paint ANY picture with statistics. it is very very easy to warp a scale or values as a result of how you crunch the numbers, arrange the numbers, and then present the numbers. There are so many differing sources of confound as well that true statistics can only be achieved in a fashion that is referred to as double blinded, randomized, and controlled. Even then one must be very careful!
No company is going to endorse a study unless they are 100% certain they do not stand to lose out.
There is no way a child for example whose neural networks are considered highly plastic and evolving (generally below age 3) will not be affected by something that emits high level radiation. Exactly what constitutes that level of radiation is to be determined, but at what cost as you said?
I guess the safest solution for those who really want to use a cell phone would be keep the phone off your body, and only use the hands-free option. I know its not the most convenient or even most comfortable solution, but when there is so much uncertainty, it hardly seems worth the risk.
Then again, sprouting a cauliflower from one’s ear might start a new fashion trend, no?!
Chagiyomi…I appreciate your comments…thanks for the input: sounds like good advice to me!