Radiation is a form of energy that travels through space in the form of naturally occurring waves or particles that surround us all through the day. We are constantly bombarded with radiation either coming from the earth, outer space, or within our own bodies. The cosmic rays or radioactive materials present in the earth and living things are known as background radiation. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones or cell phone towers is the other type of radiation that is created by the release of radiant energy by some electromagnetic processes. The World Health Organization has classified mobile phone radiation or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation in a Group 2B category suggesting that it is possibly carcinogenic. In short, it states that cancer threat from mobile exists, perhaps not a large one.
How do mobiles phones emit radiation?
Mobile phones work with the help of networks like 2G, 3G, and 4G, and at different frequencies, which is the network band that is used to send and receive signals. It means that depending upon the network and frequency used, the mobile phone may emit different levels of radiation. Radiation is emitted from a mobile phone when phones transmit signals from the handset to the mobile tower or base station. The more radiation is emitted from the phone if it has to work harder to send a signal. Thus, if you are using a mobile phone in a remote area, where the cell phone tower is at a long distance, or if there are lots of obstacles between the phone and the base tower, then the radiation amount is higher. The radiation emission from the phone is also affected by how the phone is used; more radiation is emitted during a voice call whereas less radiation is emitted while sending text messages.
Radiation Penetrates our Body
The effect of mobile radiation on our body is measured using specific absorption rates or SAR. Since mobile phones emit a radio frequency electromagnetic field that transmits in all directions to find the nearest base station. In this process, some of the radio waves are also directed at our body when we are using the mobile phone and the radio waves are absorbed into our body tissue as an energy that adds to the energy that is produced by our body’s metabolism. Earlier the specific absorption rates or SAR was measured when the phone was held close to the ear, however, today people generally keep their phones in their pockets and make use of headphones or earphones. Hence there is less radiation absorbed by the brain area and more radiation is absorbed by the lower body. The amount of radiation that penetrates the body greatly depends upon the type of body tissue absorbing the radiation. Skin and muscles absorb more radiation compared to fat and bones so the more radiation exposure at the waist that doesn’t have a protective layer like the brain raises much concern.
Sensible Steps for Reducing Mobile Radiation
If you are highly concerned about mobile radiation, then there are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce the radiation levels that your body absorbed.
- Always hold the phone 25 cm away from the body to reduce the radiation exposure by a factor of 400.
- Never keep your phone on the bed or under the pillow while sleeping, leave the phone on the bedside table.
- Make use of the headsets while making or receiving calls to dramatically reduce radiation exposure.
- Don’t indulge in phone calls for a longer duration, prefer headsets or texting.
- Start using the anti-radiation chip for mobile phones and laptops like Envirochip that ensure complete protection from harmful mobile radiation.
