Medical ills have been reported associated with cell phone use, but what does the research say?
For most people cell phones have become an important part of their daily lives. From a health point of view, can they possibly develop cell phonitis?
Since that means an inflammation of the phone, it is very unlikely. However, other medical ills have been reported associated with cell phone use.
The most common one is being involved in motor vehicle accidents while using the cell phone. Because this has become such a common occurrence, legislation is now under consideration that hopefully will help prevent the number of accidents associated with the use of cell phones while driving.
There are also reports in medical literature of cell phones being associated with various medical conditions.
A very recent study found a relationship between the use of cell phones and male infertility. The results of the study showed that the quality of sperm decreased as cell phone use increased.
A previous study on the same subject using rats showed the same findings.
But hold the phone on this cause-and-effect finding. Much more research is needed before a final conclusion can be reached.
A good example of why one should be cautious before accepting early research results are the studies that have been done associating cell phone use and brain tumors.
Early studies showed that there was an association between cell phone use and brain tumors. However, the latest research on this subject has been unable to confirm such an association.
The concern about brain tumors was raised because radiation is present in cell phones. This radiation is in the form of radiofrequency energy, which is different from radiation present in medical X-rays.
Radiofrequency energy is also present in microwaves, but the dosage in microwaves is much less than that present in cell phones.
Cell phones have also been shown to disrupt a cardiac pacemaker. However, this only takes place if the phone is held directly over the heart.
The majority of these apparent medical problems were associated with overuse of cell phones.
This provides further support to my continuing admonition to do everything in moderation -- and that includes talking on a cell phone.
Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of the National Birth Defects Center, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.