Mobile phone radiation: take precaution until we know better

FCC (Federal Communications Commission) plans to re-investigate whether mobile phone's low frequency radio wave causes adverse health affect.  It originally launched earlier probe 15 years ago, and reached conclusion of no adverse health effect after its chief investigator got let go (I wrote about this topic back in November 2010).

Mobile phone is so much more than just a phone;
it's a communication device.
Its long term effect must be studied and understood.

It is great to see FCC taking initiatives to investigate this.  Until I hear overwhelming evidence that it's safe to use cellphone without worrying about health effect, I would recommend everyone to take caution in holding up your cellphone to your ear.  Especially I won't be allowing my children to use cellphone.



Here is why:

1. We have no long term data.

Cellphone has been around only for 15 years or so.  Yet it has become an important part of modern life.  One teen survey in 2011 showed that 53% teens would trade their sense of smell with cellphone.  Although we take cellphones granted as part of our lives, it has been with us less than two decades.  Just like long term effects of cigarettes took decades to uncover and understand, it's difficult to see how prolonged cellphone usage will affect our health.

2. Use of cellphone has increased rapidly, and it will continue to increase.

Although it has short history, cellphone usage has been increasing dramatically.  Cellphones are no longer considered as just voice devices but as connected internet device.  More teenagers and children are spending time with cellphones.  Fortunately talk time seems to be decreasing as overall average, but wireless phone companies are starting to offer unlimited talk option as base plan to maintain the profit margin.

3. Just like any health related choices, you cannot undo its effect if cellphone use is proven to be carcinogenic.

The most important thing to note is that it is extremely difficult to prove positive causal link between any two events.  That's because there are so many factors that may influence the outcome.  However, lack of conclusive proof does not mean that there is no effect.  Especially when it comes to health matters, everyone should err on cautious side because it involves everyone's health including children's.  Just like cigarette and other harmful chemicals, once you are exposed it will be too late to undo its negative impact.


As a responsible parent, do not let your children use your cellphone, especially holding it up against their ear.  I would also recommend using bluetooth headset to everyone if you are talking for an extended period of time.