Cell Phones, Cancer, and Infertility

Several recent scientific studies concluded that cellphones are “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and determined that cellphones may potentially cause brain cancer, especially in children whose skulls are still developing (see my earlier post below). In one study, scientists found that the rate of brain glioma (a type of tumor) doubled in individuals who used cellphones for a period of 10 years or longer. In addition, as a follow-up to a 2005 and a 2007 study, Austrian researches found that cellphone use may also damage sperm production and is a likely contributor to male infertility. At this point there is no conclusive evidence on whether cellphone radiation my also disrupt embryonic development and whether damaged sperm DNA may affect the development of the fetus and increase the newborn’s risk of developing cancer.

Of course (almost) no one is going to give up his or her cellphone. And maybe you don’t have to – there are other precautions you can take, such as (i) using a head set or Bluetooth device, (ii) holding the phone at a distance when talking (instead of pressing it to your temple and ear), (iii) texting or emailing whenever possible, and (iv) storing it away from your body (no stuffing it into your jeans pockets anymore).

Alternatively, you can also get a radiation shield device for your phone, such as the WaveShield. The company also sells monitor shields (yes, we are exposed to radiation at work while using our computers – but the levels are considered to be safe).

Tags: brain cancer, cancer, cellphone, infertility

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 at 10:35 pm and is filed under General Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Cell Phones And Cancer – Especially In Kids

The World Health Organization concluded a few days ago that radiation from cell phones may possibly cause cancer and put cell phones on the same list as engine exhaust, chloroform, lead, and others that are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The type of radiation that is emitted by cell phones is called non-ionizing radiation, which is similar to that emitted by a low-powered microwave oven (does that get you thinking too???)

Scientists from 14 countries participated in the study and reviewed additional studies done by their peers and believe that there is some evidence suggesting an increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer for cell phone users. However, the scientists have not been able to draw conclusions for other types of cancers that may be caused as a result of cell phone use and the reason for inconclusiveness in other areas is that most environmental factors take decades of exposure before their effects are conclusive and cell phones have not been around long enough.

Cell phone radiation is especially dangerous to children and young adults whose skulls, still under development, are thinner and radiation can more easily pass through.

I wonder about the health effects of other wireless devices – microwave ovens and other mobile personal devices such as BlackBerry devices for sure, but how about cordless phones? Tablets?

Tags: cancer, cell-phones, microwaves, radiation

This entry was posted on Friday, June 3rd, 2011 at 8:41 am and is filed under General Topics, healthy baby, smart mommy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Chemicals That May Cause Cancer

In June, the National Institute of Health added eight chemicals to the government’s list of chemical an biological agents that may cause cancer.

Formaldehyde, a chemical with a distinctive odor, is widely used in industrial manufacturing and as a preservative in laboratories and funeral homes. It is listed as a know carcinogen. Perhaps it will be finally eliminated from personal care products and cosmetics, in which it (or its other formulations as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives TEA (triethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), or DMDM Hydantoin are widely used. Have you checked your label lately? Yes, they are there, in many high-end, luxury products and even some natural products in which you would not expect to see them.

Aristolochic acid, which is found in herbal supplements, is also classified as a carcinogen.

Styrene, captafol, cobalt-tungsten carbide, certain glass wool fibers, o-nitrotoulene, and riddelliine are “anticipated carcinogens.”

You can access the full NIH report here.

Tags: cancer causing chemicals, cancerous, DEAM, DMDM hydantoin, formaldehyde, MEA, perservatives, TEA, toxic personal care products

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 at 10:15 pm and is filed under General Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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