IN THE past few years, a technological and cultural revolution called the Wireless Age has exploded worldwide.
There are now more than 1.5 billion cellular telephones in use around the globe, with Jamaica boasting more than its fair share. Here, everyone seems to use a cellphone. But, are cellphones safe, or are they the cigarettes of the new millennium?
In May, a legal precedent was set in the United States. A California resident, Sharesa Price, whose job involved using a cellphone several hours each day, developed a brain tumour. The courts awarded her US$30,000 for medical expenses and she may be the first person to convince a judge that her illness was caused by radio-frequency radiation from a cellphone.
Dr. George Carlo, a public health scientist, was given US$25 million by the cellphone industry to do research that would reassure the public about the safety of their products. His book, Cellphones - Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age, should be compulsory reading for our local health and technology leaders. Here are some of his findings.
DAMAGE TO BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER
The brain is extremely sensitive to chemicals, and to survive and maintain brain function, humans have developed specific protections for the brain. One such protection is a special filter that keeps harmful chemicals from entering the brain. It is called the blood brain barrier.
Radio frequency radiation (RFR) emitted from the antennae of mobile phones interferes with the blood brain barrier, and allows toxic substances access to the tissues of the brain.
GENETIC DAMAGE
There is conclusive evidence from several researchers that the radiation from cellphones causes genetic damage to human blood cells. This damage leads to an increased risk of cancer.
HEADACHES
The more one uses a cellphone, the greater the occurrence of headaches, dizziness and general feelings of discomfort. Increasing the use of these instruments from less than two minutes to over 60 minutes per day, for example, made symptoms worse by over 600 per cent.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
There is a statistically significant increase in the risk of death due to motor vehicle accidents among users of mobile phones, regardless of whether the phone was handheld or had an external antenna.
KIDS AND CELLPHONES
The radiation that emanates from a cellphone antenna penetrates much deeper into the heads of children than adults. Once it penetrates children's skulls, it enters their brain and eyes at an absorption rate far greater than it does in adults.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Safety first! Restrict cell phone use/Use a headset
* Keep the antenna away from your body by using a phone with an earpiece or headset. If you must use a phone without an earpiece, extend the antenna as much as possible. When the antenna is recessed inside the phone, the entire instrument functions as the antenna - and the radiation is emitted from the entire phone into a wider area of your head, jaw and hand.
* When the signal strength is low, e.g. inside some buildings, do not use your phone. The lower the signal strength, the greater the radiation emitted from the antenna.
* Do not use handheld phones while driving a vehicle.
INCREASE YOUR BODY'S RESISTANCE TO RADIATION
* Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit.
* Supplement with vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral selenium.
* Supplement with the herbs - schizandra, rosemary, ginkgo biloba, pycnogenol and garlic.
Do a detoxification/cleansing programme every three to four months.
Email Dr. Anthony Vendryes at Vendryes@mac.com, visit our website at www.anounceofprevention.org. You may also listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106 FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
