Ciarlone 1
Lindsay Ciarlone
Professor Yoshikawa
English 200
15 April 2019
Cellphones May Be Detrimental To Your Health
The evolution of mobile devices over the past decade has changed the way of life for the millennial generation. Since we are constantly; calling, texting, scanning barcodes in the store, Instagram, Snapchat, and in all other facets in everyday activities, cellphones seem to be glued to our hands reguarly. Nevertheless, the question of how cellphone use might relate to cancer has become a much-debated topic over the last couple years. This essay aims to argue and conclude that according to research and lab studies, there is a link between cellphone usage and many side effects that are harmful to mankind.
Cellphones have been around for 40 years. The first cellphone made its debut on April 3, 1973 by a Motorola employee named Martin Cooper. When cellphones first came out, they were huge and definitely not so sleek and slim like they are today. The phones did not have features like we have now- no color, vibration, caller id, Internet, camera, or even a clock! I cannot think of any business or product that has evolved as quickly and interestingly as the cell phone from about 2000 to 2010. One may wonder if Mr. Cooper thought that his invention would be a common cause for cancer of all kinds, infertility, ADHD, and premature aging. These are some of the many revolting side effects of everyday cellphone use.
In a recent article published by CBS News, they stated, “Some people are so attached to their cell phones that they sleep with them on their nightstand or even under their pillow. Bad idea. Cell phones pump out electromagnetic radiation whenever they're on - which means sleeping with one nearby boosts your exposure all night long”. If sleeping with a cellphone in the room is that bad for you imagine what happens when you put it up to your head to hold a conversation.
Constant cellphone use can cause brain cancer and other harmful tumors. The creator of Virgin Mobile refuses to put a cellphone up to his head due to his brother dying from brain cancer. According to Otis W. Brawley, MD, “Researchers found exposure to very high signal cell phone radiation led to an increased risk of malignant gliomas in the brain and schwannomas of the heart in male rats.” A schwannoma is a tumor that forms in the nerve sheath.
Cell phone radiation is radiofrequency energy and a type of electromagnetic radiation classified as non-ionizing radiation, similar to radioactive microwaves and radar. When a cellphone is active and in use, cellular frequencies vary between 450-2000MHz, but the most common MHz is between 800-900. The power emitted by a cellular device varies over the course of use. It is higher when making initial contact, which lasts about one minute, and the Watts vary frequencies during optimal operation. This means that while your cellphone is in use and up to your head, you are being exposed to the same amount of radiation as if ...
