Study Finds: Cell Phone Radiation Breaks Human and Animal DNA

By Stephen L. Fowler
December 20, 2004

RF energy from cell phones have been shown to harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions, according to a new study funded by the European Union.

The "Reflex" study was conducted by 12 research groups in seven European countries. It did not prove that mobile phones are a risk to health however, the study concluded that more research is needed to see if these same effects can also be found outside a lab and in normal cell phone use.

The cell phone industry continues to assert that there is no conclusive evidence of harmful effects as a result of electromagnetic radiation.

Cells showed a significant increase in single and double-strand DNA breaks after being exposed to electromagnetic fields typical for mobile phones. The cell in this study could not always repair the damage. Since DNA carries the genetic material of an organism and its different cells, this could have long term effects on persons using cell phones.

Franz Adlkofer, project leader, stated: "There was remaining damage for future generation of cells," This means the change in the DNA had procreated in the next cell generation.

The RF energy used in the study was at levels between a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of between 0.3 and 2 watts per kilogram. Many cell phones emit radio signals at SAR levels of between 0.5 and 1 W/kg.

SAR is a measure of the rate of radio energy absorption in body tissue, and the SAR limit recommended by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection is 2 W/kg.

The study leader advised against the use of a mobile phone when an alternative fixed line phone was available, and recommended the use of a headset connected to a cell phone whenever possible. "We don't want to create a panic, but it is good to take precautions," he said, adding that additional research could take another four or five years. The researchers said that the study does not at this time prove any health risks. They added: "the genotoxic and phenotypic effects clearly require further studies …. on animals and human volunteers."

Previous studies (independent of the cell phone manufacturers) into the health effects of cell phone radiation have found that it may have some effect on the human body. These effects are usually shown as heating body tissue or causing headaches and nausea.

However, to date no study that has been independently repeated has shown that cell phone or any other electromagnetic radiation had permanent harmful effects.

Steve Fowler
Fowler Associates, Inc.
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Moore, SC 29369
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