By BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THERE are five billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide and every one of them must now be warned that cell phones have the potential of causing cancer!
Whereas, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had been saying, “We don’t know of any device or any study that convinces us that this is a fact,” in May of this year WHO adjusted its statement to say that cell phones pose a ‘possible’ cancer risk.
The news is not intended to create panic or fear because it will take years for anyone to develop a brain tumour from the constant radiation emitted by holding a cell phone regularly to one’s ear. However, doctors are saying that in addition to leading to cancer, the radio waves from cell phones could have other effects, like interfering with memory function.
Users must also be aware that children have thinner skulls and scalps than adults, thereby making it likely that constant cell phone use could bring about such effects more quickly.
It is never too early to begin to take precaution. As Masud Sadiki’s song says, “A stitch in time...a stitch in time...”
Here is what cell phone users are asked to do:
• Keep phone at least once inch from your ear while talking;
• Use headsets or speaker phones to keep phones away from being close to the head;
• Read your manual which gives instructions about the safe use of your phone; some phones have a higher level of radiation than others. (Find out if yours is one);
• Text more, talk less; and
• Keep phone away from body as well. (Men are being warned that keeping phones in their pockets constantly may/could affect their reproductive function.
According to environmentalists, cell phone use is being put in the same hazardous grouping as lead use, engine exhaust fumes, pesticides and possibly asbestos.
So, cell phone uses, remember - prevention is always 10 times better than a cure. Be safe.
