In recent years, cellular phones have become a popular subject of scientific research. Indeed a growing body of work has explored the consequences of regular cellular phone use, emphasizing both the social and physical effects it may engender. Although relatively new, this line of research is elucidating many findings well worth considering.

Many Questions, Few Answers

From a psychological perspective, scientists have examined the link between cell phone use and attention processes. This work has been designed to explore our ability to multi-task effectively, and it suggests that the complex nature of phone interaction is hard to juggle with other complex tasks such as driving. This is especially true for new drivers and older drivers, who may be at increased risk when driving and talking on a cell phone simultaneously.

In addition, scientific research has targeted the physical effects that cell phone radiation may have on the human body. This work has explored links between cell phone use and cancer, Alzheimer's, and a variety of depressed immune system responses. Most work does not demonstrate a clear relationship; however, the findings to date have been mixed.

Given that most medical illnesses are multiply determined--that is, influenced by both genes and environment--and given that numerous environmental influences are likely at play, establishing a causal link with cell phone use is exceedingly difficult. There is evidence that the body responds to low-frequency radiation exposure, but the specific, direct, negative effects of this exposure are more difficult to examine. As longitudinal research gets underway, scientists hope to provide clearer, more reliable answers to pressing questions about the dangers of cell phone use.