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.
3551 Moore-Duncan Hwy.
Moore, SC 29369
Tel: 864-574-6415 FAX: 864-576-4992
Web Sites: sfowler .com ESDJournal .com
RADJournal .com
