Technology's Dark Side

In the never ending technology stories, we last left off with a mother breast feeding a baby while holding a cell phone. 

Continuing the theme of technological side effects, including cell phone ear, (when people talk loud like they are on stage even though they’re right in front of you), thumb twitching from texting, not paying attention to their surroundings from texting, and that whole radiation thing.

Radiation is a serious thing and though you may have come to love your cellphone like it’s a part of you, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary and deadly electromagnetic radiation. Since cell phones are held to the head, it is possible they cause harm.

I know you may be thinking, Alexys we are adults and we can do what we want. You are right, but it is my pleasure to pass on information to you that I think would be helpful. 

I want you to have access to information that makes your life richer, deeper and longer. Cell phones are fun and convenient, but you should know the risks associated with them if you use them continually like many people I know. 

There are two types of electromagnetic radiation.

Ionizing radiation contains enough electromagnetic energy to strip atoms and molecules from your tissue and alter chemical reactions in your body. Gamma rays and X-rays are two forms of ionizing radiation that cause damage, which is why we wear a lead vest when X-rays are taken of our bodies.

Non-ionizing radiation is typically safe. Though it causes some heating effect, it’s usually not enough to cause any type of long-term damage to tissue. Radio-frequency energy, visible light and microwave radiation are considered non-ionizing and is also associated with cell phones.

RF radiation has the ability to heat human tissue, much like the way microwave ovens heat food. 

Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipate excessive amounts of heat. Although it may not immediately cause damage to tissue, scientists are still studying whether prolonged exposure could create problems.

All over the world, tens of millions of people are pressing cell phones against their heads for hours every day. Worldwide, the number of cell phone users is estimated to be approximately 5 billion in 2011 and the numbers continued to climb.  

People have had brain tumors in the exact size, shape and position as the antenna on their cell phone so there is some truth in brain damage.

So when you are using your fun, convenient cell phone, please remember to use it safely. Use a headset so you won’t have to hold it to your head. Don’t let the fun of technology cause you harm.