Cell Phones Are Everywhere
By: Leslie Wilson, GIVF Cryobanks Lab Technician
Review of Cell Phones: Modern Man’s Nemesis? By Dr. Ashok Agarwal.
Cell phones are everywhere. They have become an integral part of our daily lives. As with any new technology there are questions regarding their impact on human health. Although cell phone companies state that cell phone signals are safe, every one has heard the rumors that cell phones can do everything from causing brain cancer to making men sterile. Science is taking a stab at these urban myths to see if they can either be proved or disproved.
Let’s cover some of the basics of how cell phones work. Cell phones operate on two different systems: the global system for mobile communication (GSM) and the code division multiple access (CDMA) system. Cell phones in the United States work at a different frequency (850MHz and 1900MHz) than the rest of the world (900MHz and 1800MHz). Cell phones also produce what is known as radiation output power, which is measured in watts. Current cell phones operate at less than one watt.
There have been quite a few studies suggesting that cell phones can affect a man’s fertility, but none of these studies have given an explanation as to how they can affect the fertility. This has been under much debate and speculation. The ideas range from thermally “cooking” the testes with cell phone electro magnetic waves (EMW), which supposedly act like microwaves, to causing DNA damage in the sperm cells. Many studies have conclusively proven that EMW have no thermal effect, even on the highly temperature sensitive genital area.
If cell phones do affect male fertility, a likely cause is DNA fragmentation. Several studies have shown DNA fragmentation in a variety of animal and human cells after exposure to cell phones. However, mice had to be exposed to 12 hours a day for 7 days before damage was seen in the DNA of spermatozoa. In-vitro studies conflict where this is concerned. There are currently no such studies on human males.
Other aspects of sperm quality, such as motility, morphology and concentration, have been studied for any significant changes after being exposed to EMW. The only parameter with a significant change is motility. Sperm motility has been shown to decline after exposure, but how much the motility declines is still up for debate.
Although scientists are currently studying the effects of cell phones on the biological processes of humans, there are no conclusive results. The best way to protect yourself is to limit cell phone use and be smart with your cell phone. If you are worried about cell phone radiation, you could carry your phone in a backpack or on a holster on your belt instead of carrying it in a pocket.
Review of Cell Phones: Modern Man’s Nemesis? By Dr. Ashok Agarwal.
Cell phones are everywhere. They have become an integral part of our daily lives. As with any new technology there are questions regarding their impact on human health. Although cell phone companies state that cell phone signals are safe, every one has heard the rumors that cell phones can do everything from causing brain cancer to making men sterile. Science is taking a stab at these urban myths to see if they can either be proved or disproved.
Let’s cover some of the basics of how cell phones work. Cell phones operate on two different systems: the global system for mobile communication (GSM) and the code division multiple access (CDMA) system. Cell phones in the United States work at a different frequency (850MHz and 1900MHz) than the rest of the world (900MHz and 1800MHz). Cell phones also produce what is known as radiation output power, which is measured in watts. Current cell phones operate at less than one watt.
There have been quite a few studies suggesting that cell phones can affect a man’s fertility, but none of these studies have given an explanation as to how they can affect the fertility. This has been under much debate and speculation. The ideas range from thermally “cooking” the testes with cell phone electro magnetic waves (EMW), which supposedly act like microwaves, to causing DNA damage in the sperm cells. Many studies have conclusively proven that EMW have no thermal effect, even on the highly temperature sensitive genital area.
If cell phones do affect male fertility, a likely cause is DNA fragmentation. Several studies have shown DNA fragmentation in a variety of animal and human cells after exposure to cell phones. However, mice had to be exposed to 12 hours a day for 7 days before damage was seen in the DNA of spermatozoa. In-vitro studies conflict where this is concerned. There are currently no such studies on human males.
Other aspects of sperm quality, such as motility, morphology and concentration, have been studied for any significant changes after being exposed to EMW. The only parameter with a significant change is motility. Sperm motility has been shown to decline after exposure, but how much the motility declines is still up for debate.
Although scientists are currently studying the effects of cell phones on the biological processes of humans, there are no conclusive results. The best way to protect yourself is to limit cell phone use and be smart with your cell phone. If you are worried about cell phone radiation, you could carry your phone in a backpack or on a holster on your belt instead of carrying it in a pocket.
posted by Kathleen, Contributing Editor at
1:00 PM
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