A study shows headache is more common among mobile phone users
people who use mobile phones experience headaches more often than those who do not. Moreover, the headaches last longer if the call duration is high. These are the findings of a study conducted in Singapore to study the prevalence of the symptoms of specific central nervous system (cns) ailment among handheld cellular phones. The study also reveals that the incidence of headaches was 20 per cent less among people using hands-free equipment as compared to those using handheld cellular phones.
The study surveyed 808 people between 12 years and 70 years of age. To do away with any bias, the researchers ruled out 27 respondents with previous history of cns problems. They also ensured the respondents did not know that the study was being conducted on cellular phone users only. The study showed no association between headaches and the number of times respondents used cellular phones. But there was a clear trend of greater headaches with increase in the time spent using the phones (Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol 108, No 11).
The current research paper points out that previous studies have shown how exposure to low intensity electromagnetic exposure affects brain systems associated with headaches. These microwaves studied were similar in character to the ones emitted by the cellular telephones.
Other studies also point an accusing finger at the mobile phone technology. A few studies on animals, for example, suggest that low levels of radio frequencies could accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals, the Food and Drug Administration of usa is reported to have observed. But it is uncertain whether results from animal studies apply to the use of mobile phones.
A number of laboratory tests have also been conducted to assess possible effects of radio frequencies on genetic mutations, chromosomal changes, dna strand breaks, and structural changes in the genetic material of blood cells. One test shows that structural changes occur in genetic material after exposure to simulated cellular phone radiations. But several reports have quoted experts who question the reliability of the results.
The debate over the health risks of mobile phones has reached a feverish pitch. Reports in the media point out that handset manufacturers, mobile network operators and fixed-line phone companies are facing legal action from brain tumour victims in the us . They mentioned Verizone wireless, a subsidiary of mobile phone company Vodafone, as a potential target. A company spokesperson, however, denied knowledge of any such legal action.
In the uk, the government recently issued advice to mobile phone users to keep calls brief and to discourage children from using mobile phones, except for emergency calls.
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