Recent research has produced provocative findings regarding the link between cell phone use and DNA damage. This research has found that the electromagnetic radiation transmitted via cell phone antennae may be a source of harm to humans. Although prior research has indicated that low-level emissions from most cell phones are not a cause for concern, these new findings have stirred controversy and reopened the debate on safe cell phone use.

Safe and Sound

The harmful effects of radiation exposure are well known. We are all familiar with the need for protective gowns when we get x-rayed, and most of us have come across history books documenting the ravages of radiation associated with nuclear bombs. In these cases, radiation heats human tissue, and in some cases, incinerates it all together. Thus, it is clear that high-frequency electromagnetic radiation is a significant source of danger.

What is less clear, however, is the extent to which low-level radiation causes health problems. For many years, it was thought that small emissions from devices such as pagers and cell phones were not a source of concern. However, recent studies from both Europe and the Unites States suggest that it may not be an open and shut case. Specifically, recent laboratory studies have documented DNA damage and cell death associated with cell phone radiation.

In each of us, DNA is responsible for housing genetic material. If cells are damaged at this level, they take a long time to repair, and in some cases, do not heal at all. In still other cases, cells may mutate in an effort to adapt to new systemic conditions. As cell mutation is a source of many severe illnesses, damage at the DNA level is a major cause for concern. Although laboratory studies do not demonstrate any conclusive link between cell phone radiation and serious illness, these recent findings underscore the complexity of the issue and the importance of further work in the area.