Hazardous Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation On Human Health - A Review

IPASJ International Journal of Electronics & Communication (IIJEC)
Web Site: http://www.ipasj.org/IIJEC/IIJEC.htm

Email: editoriijec@ipasj.org
ISSN 2321-5984
A Publisher for Research Motivation........
Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2016
Hazardous Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation on

Human Health A Review
Shriyash Mohril1, Mahipal Singh Sankhla2, Bhaskar Chaturvedi3, Rajeev kumar4
1
Student of Electronics and Communication Engineering, School of Electrical & Electronics and Communication
Engineering,Galgotias University, Greater Noida
Student of M.Sc. Forensic Science, Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences. Galgotias University,
Greater Noida
3
Student of Mechanical Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering,Galgotias University, Greater Noida
Assistant Professor,Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences,
Galgotias University, Greater Noida.
ABSTRACT
These days mobile phones becoming an elementary part of our life. This is one of the most important medium for the
communication. The countless increase in mobile phones has increased the amount of non-ionizing radio waves in
surroundings during last two decades the possible risks by radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure of the human body
are a major concern for the society. Although the familiarization and dependency of mobile phone is growing at an alarming
pace, the Human health effects due to the exposure of radiations have become a subject of intense debate. The effects of radiofrequency radiation is very broad and heterogeneous. the possibility of a relationship between mobile phone use and
carcinogenic processes, reproduction and development, the cardiovascular system and longevity that is, exposure of the whole
body. The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human body is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and its
maximum levels for modern handsets have been set by governmental regulating agencies in many countries.
Key-words Mobile Phone, Electromagnetic radiation, Radio frequency.
1.Introduction
Modern technology has provided comfort and ease to human society but various other non-avoidable factors are also
associated with these technical and communication devices. Electromagnetic radiations are included in these factors
which are used in cell-phones and wireless devices for signal transmission. Various research studies have illustrated
that EMF radiations are found to be responsible for various harmful effects on health, development, reproduction,
immune system, growth, sleep, skin and brain [1-6].There have been various studies into the connection between
mobile phones and memory loss. Because of their smaller heads, thinner skulls and higher tissue conductivity, children
may absorb more energy from a given phone than adults. International guidelines on exposure levels to microwave
frequency limit the power levels of wireless devices and it is uncommon for wireless devices to exceed the guidelines.
But these guidelines only take into account thermal effects, as non-thermal effects have not yet been conclusively
demonstrated [7].The question whether microwave radiation, that is emitted by mobile phones (radio-frequency
modulated electromagnetic fields: RF-EMF), might exert any detrimental health effects remains unanswered. Several
recently conducted reviews of the to-date published research have concluded that there is significant and credible
scientific evidence to the fact that RF-EMF induces biological effects [8-11]. The possibility of the effect of RF-EMF
exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability has been suggested earlier by in vivo and in vitro studies [12, 13].
However, there are also reports where authors claim that the non-thermal levels of RF-EMF radiation do not affect
blood-brain barrier permeability [14, 15]. There is concern that microwaves might induce or promote cancer, and the
symptoms associated with their use include sleep disturbance, memory problems, headaches, nausea, and dizziness[16].
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Changes in the permeability of the blood brain barrier, electroencephalographic activity, and blood pressure have also
been reported [17].Although, cell phones are designed to operate at power levels below a threshold for known thermal
effects, radio frequency radiation could produce other kinds of effects, called biological effects [18].Safety is a
legitimate concern of the users of wireless equipment, particularly, in regard to possible hazards caused by
electromagnetic (EM) fields. There has been growing concern about the possible adverse health effects resulting from
exposure to radiofrequency radiations (RFR), such as those from mobile communication devices. Mobile
communication is where signal is transferred via electromagnetic wave through radio frequency and microwave signals.
This signal produces electromagnetic radiation in the form of thermal radiation that consists of harmful ionizing
radiation and harmless non-ionizing radiation. When using mobile phone, electromagnetic wave is transferred to the
body which causes health problems especially at the place near ear skull region where they are known to affect the
neurons. The radiations interfere with the electrical impulses that two neurons connect each other with [19].
2.ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy exhibiting wave-like behavior as it travels through space.
Electromagnetic radiation has both electric and magnetic field components, which oscillate in phase perpendicular to
each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. Electromagnetic radiation can be classified into
ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation, based on whether it is capable of ionizing atoms and breaking chemical
bonds Non-ionizing radiation is associated with two major potential hazards: electrical and biological. Extremely high
power electromagnetic radiation can cause electric currents strong enough to create sparks (electrical arcs) when an
induced voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage of the surrounding medium. These sparks can then ignite flammable
materials or gases, possibly leading to an explosion [19]. Extremely high power electromagnetic radiation can cause
electric currents strong enough to create sparks (electrical arcs) when an induced voltage exceeds the breakdown
voltage of the surrounding medium. These sparks can then ignite flammable materials or gases, possibly leading to an
explosion. The biological effect of electromagnetic fields is to cause dielectric heating. Complex biological effects of
weaker non-thermal electromagnetic fields also exists, including weak Extremely Low Frequency magnetic fields and
modulated Radio Frequency and microwave fields [20-22]. Magnetic fields induce circulating currents within the
human body and strength of these magnetic fields depends directly on the intensity of the impinging magnetic field.
These currents cause nerves and muscles to stimulate which in turn affects biological processes. The influence of the
weak EM radiations on human can be realized as sequence of events which includes exposure to EM radiations which
when absorbed modulates the biological field patterns, accumulation of energy and information into the body fluid,
change in the functional activities of cell which finally results into some disease [23].The cellular phone has to emit
radio frequency energy at levels high enough to reach base stations (antenna towers). Since the energy is emitted as
microwave in the direct vicinity of the users head there are concerns about the safety of this technology. There are
reports from cell studies as well as animal studies that there may be significant risk of developing cancer tumours,
foremost brain tumours in the user of cellular phones. Depending on the level of exposure, radiation can adversely
affect individuals directly and the descendants in directly. Radiation can affect cells of the body, increasing the risk of
cancer or harmful genetic mutations that can be passed on to future generations; or, if the dosage is large enough to
cause massive tissue damage, it may lead to death within a few weeks of exposure [24-26].
3.SPECIFIC ABSORPTION RATIO (SAR)

SAR is a measure of the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the tissue in the human body that is
measured in watts per kilogram. This measurement is used to determine whether a cell phone complies with the safety
guidelines. The exposure limit takes in consideration with the bodys ability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb
energy from the cell phone & is set well below levels known to show biological effects. The U. S. Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) & International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
recommend the localized SAR in the head is to be limited to 1.6 to - 2 Watts per kilogram averages over any 10g
mass of tissues in the head [27,28].Part of the radio waves emitted by a mobile telephone handset is absorbed by the
human head. The radio waves emitted by a GSM handset can have a peak power of 2 watts, and a US analogue phone
had a maximum transmit power of 3.6 watts. Other digital mobile technologies, such as CDMA2000 and D-AMPS, use
lower output power, typically below 1 watt. The maximum power output from a mobile phone is regulated by the
mobile phone standard and by the regulatory agencies in each country. In most systems the cell phone and the base
station check reception quality and signal strength and the power level is increased or decreased [19].
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4.Hazardous Effect on Human Health

With reference to the handsets, the effect of radio waves emitted by the cell phone communication, especially with
specific reference to human health, can be categorized as, thermal, non-thermal and genotoxical. Thermal effect is one
whereby the electromagnetic field of radio waves induces polar molecules that generates dielectric heat letting the live
tissues die. For instance, some part of head, while receiving the message through radio waves if it happens to
experience increased temperature can have damaged nerve fibers. Next to the thermal effect is non-thermal effect, in
which keeping the temperature generated by radio waves constant (only the electric current) passes through the cell.
membrane, while transceiving messages and finally the genotoxical effect, which includes damage to chromosomes,
alterations in the activity of certain genes and a boosted rate of cell division [29-31]. According to their biological
effects, EM radiation can be classified into two forms: non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation. Radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible light waves are non-ionizing radiation that do not have enough energy to break apart
atoms and molecules and turn them into ions, which are electrically-charged particles. This means that non-ionizing
radiation does not damage genetic material (DNA) in molecules directly and cannot therefore cause cancer or any other
illness in people. X-ray and gamma rays, are forms of ionizing radiation, which, particularly at high doses, can
increase one s risk of cancer, birth defects, and genetic defects through DNA mutations resulting from atom and
molecule ionization. There is no completely safe level of ionizing radiation [32].
5.Thermal effects
One well-understood effect of microwave radiation is dielectric heating, in which any dielectric material (such as living
tissue) is heated by rotations of polar molecules induced by the electromagnetic field. In the case of a person using a
cell phone, most of the heating effect will occur at the surface of the head, causing its temperature to increase by a
fraction of a degree. In this case, the level of temperature increase is an order of magnitude less than that obtained
during the exposure of the head to direct sunlight. The brain's blood circulation is capable of disposing of excess heat
by increasing local blood flow. However, the cornea of the eye does not have this temperature regulation mechanism
and exposure of 23 hours duration has been reported to produce cataracts in rabbits' eyes at SAR values from 100140W/kg, which produced lenticular temperatures of 41C. There were no cataracts detected in the eyes of monkeys
exposed under similar conditions. Premature cataracts have not been linked with cell phone use, possibly because of the
lower power output of mobile phones [33].
6.Non-thermal effects
The communications protocols used by mobile phones often result in low-frequency pulsing of the carrier signal.
Whether these modulations have biological significance has been subject to debate [34].Some researchers have argued
that so-called "non-thermal effects" could be reinterpreted as a normal cellular response to an increase in temperature.
The German biophysicist Roland Glaser, for example,5 has argued that there are several thermo receptor molecules in
cells, and that they activate a cascade of second and third messenger systems, gene expression mechanisms and
production of heat shock proteins in order to defend the cell against metabolic cell stress caused by heat. The increases
in temperature that cause these changes are too small to be detected by studies such as REFLEX, which base their
whole argument on the apparent stability of thermal equilibrium in their cell cultures. Other researchers believe the
stress proteins are unrelated to thermal effects, since they occur for both extremely low frequencies (ELF) and radio
frequencies
(RF), which have very different energy levels [35]. Using fluoride oxyglucose injections and positron emission
tomography concluded that exposure to radiofrequency signal waves within parts of the brain closest to the cell phone
antenna resulted in increased levels of glucose metabolism, but the clinical significance of this finding is unknown
[36,37].
7.Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phone Effect

As time passes by technology are growing faster and move faster. The most important and common part of technology
in our life is mobile phone technology. We bring mobile phone with us in everywhere that we go and use it on a daily
basis. It is being the part and parcel of our daily life. Mobil phone have been around for quite some time, but as time
goes on, mobile phones continuous to gain many features. A mobile phone started out as simple device that had only
numbers, and most people used them for emergencies only. Nowadays, cell phones have many features such as phone
calls, text messaging, taking pictures accessing the web, using calculator etc as many accessories. People become
addicted in cell phone because they are getting many facilities by using it. For example, whenever they go outside they
can take the phone with them because of its size, networking range, a full charge battery, essay connection etc. There is
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no doubt about the benefits of mobile phones. Mobile phones have so many advantages but there have some
disadvantages too. It has become a vital element for every person but nowadays it has also becoming an addiction to the
young generation. If we talking about Bangladesh, nine out of ten young people in the town area, have own a mobile
phone. They use it in various purposes. Their attraction of mobile phone is increasing day by day. Medical science says
that the radiation of mobile phone is too bad for human health. In 1995 mobile phone has introduced to Bangladeshi
people. The first mobile service provider company was City cell. Then Grameen phone, Aktel, Bangla link, Teletalk,
and Warid which is being named as Airtel an Indian telecom company who has also started their business in
Bangladesh. In the arena of communication mobile has becoming the latest fashion and also the most essential means
of communication. These mobile phones let us enjoy all the comforts within a single device [19].
8.Discussion
The use of cell phone is increasing tremendously day-by-day but most of the people of World (who use cellular phone)
have no knowledge how the cell phones impact on human health.Globalization is the new mantra. In this age, it is very
difficult not to have technology. But as shown in this study, with every technology invented to facilitate human beings,
there come certain hazards. The only way to beat these negative aspects of new technologies is again, a new but better
technology. Electromagnetic radiation is everywhere. More and more wireless communication services are expected, so
is the artificial electromagnetic radiation. It seems that there is no way to reverse this trend. Scientists and engineers
must develop better and safer wireless systems and devices. Smaller cell size, better base station antennas and other
more advanced technologies will allow future cell phones to radiate much lower power and make technology a real
boon [19].Mobile phones when functioning close to the head of the user effect in comparably high levels of exposure to
microwaves in the near field. Never previously in history have such high exposures occurred on a regular basis in such
a great proportion of the population. Consequently, there is concern that exposure may lead to long term adverse health
effects and in particular to an increase in cancer incidence. Government, community and companies are forced to deal
in a blameable way with the comparatively new mobile phone technology and their potential health risks in spite of the
fact that the scientific body of evidence is incomplete. The condition is complicated by the fact that there are also
economic interests involved. Nevertheless, any risk assessment and protective measures should be based on systematic
grounds. To accomplish acceptance of the resulting policy, there is no alternative to communicating these systematic
grounds to the public in a highly transparent way.
9.Conclusion
The use of cell phone is increasing immensely day-by-day but most of the people (who use cellular phone) have no
knowledge how the cell phones impact on human health. It is almost clear from the research that the radiation from
cell phone is responsible for many diseases like brain tumour, headaches, short-term memory loss, different types of
heart diseases etc. In the presence of various RF sources, including cell phone handsets and broadcast antennas which
contribute the overall environmental exposure has become a great concern about safety of this new technology and as
well as human health. However, we should contribute more efforts to transform mobile radio communication to an
efficient, secure and convenient system useful for the welfare and positive advancement in India and for the global
society.
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IPASJ International Journal of Electronics & Communication (IIJEC)

Web Site: http://www.ipasj.org/IIJEC/IIJEC.htm

A Publisher for Research Motivation........

Volume 4, Issue 10, October 2016