PHONES 101
Some Facts about Cell Phones, Cordless Phones, and Wireless


We have never witnessed anything quite as phenomenal as the uptake of wireless technology. Its growth has been truly exponential.

In only six years, the number of cell phone accounts in the market increased from two billion in 2006 to a staggering six billion in 2012.  Some predict that to reach 7 billion in 2013.

From Asia to America, and everywhere in between, it’s safe to say that only a tiny percentage of individuals are free from exposure to communications technology networks. In fact, some countries are now opting to phase out landline phones completely and will offer only mobile phone connectivity.

This is a situation that, whether we’ve chosen to opt in or not, now affects us all.

Here are the priorities about mobiles phones and wireless:

  • Mobile phones, cordless phones, and ‘wireless’ devices all work using microwave radiation (which lies within the broader range of radiofrequency radiation, or RFR).
  • They all also emit microwave radiation. (That is the same microwave radiation that’s used in microwave ovens.)
  • In 2011 the WHO officially declared this radiation “a possible human carcinogen”.
  • There are many, many, many research studies that show that microwave radiation and RFR can alter biology, and have the potential to significantly affect health.
  • Some of this research evidence links exposure to microwave radiation/RFR with:
    • alterations to both brain function and heart function
    • changes in behaviour
    • impairment of immune system function
    • changes in biological and genetic structure, and damage to DNA
    • inhibition of the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA
    • interference with the quality and quantity of sperm, reducing fertility
    • alterations to the brain, including pathological leakage of the blood brain barrier
    • disruption of fetal brain development
    • reduced quality of sleep, impaired melatonin production
    • a wide range of health disorders, from headaches to brain cancer
  • Children are especially vulnerable to, and affected by, exposure to microwave radiation. (It is linked to learning difficulties, hyperactivity, behavioural issues, ADD, autism, and childhood leukaemia.)
  • The radiation from phones and wireless appliances affects more than just the people using them. They, and the antennae and routers that power them, emit high levels of radiation: passive radiation that envelops everyone around them.
  • Passive smoking can be avoided by closing a door, but passive radiation from phones and wireless can’t. It passes right through doors, windows, walls, and ceilings.
  • Because microwave radiation is invisible, and most can’t feel it, people are generally unaware that they’re exposed to it.
  • Based on current research, many governments and health experts around the world have issued official warnings to the public, advising them to reduce their exposure to mobile phones, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi.
  • The media reports saying the “jury is still out” on the safety of cell phones can give a false sense of security. There are thousands of studies that have found evidence of the potential to affect both biology and health. Then there are studies that have failed to find an effect.
  • Despite what you may hear or read, remember: Research that fails to find an effect is not the same thing as research that proves there is no effect! Absence of proof is not proof of absence. Because of this, no one can tell you that it’s safe to use a mobile phone.


WHO declares Radiofrequency Radiation 
as a Class 2B “Possible Human Carcinogen”


The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use. 

From May 24-31 2011, a Working Group of 31 scientists from 14 countries has been meeting at IARC in Lyon, France, to assess the potential carcinogenic hazards from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. 

Conclusions: Dr Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California, USA), overall Chairman of the Working Group, indicated that “the evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification. The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.” 

“Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings,” said IARC Director Christopher Wild, “it is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands-free devices or texting.” 

WHO/IARC -   Lyon, France, May 31 2011