Because I Said So

Are Cell Phones Safe? (continued)

by Danielle Wood

The FDA has tried not to fan the flames, but there are studies trickling in from other countries that link cell phone use to tumors like glioma (a la Senator Edward Kennedy's cancer), acoustic neuroma (a tumor that lives where the ear meets the brain), and cancer of the parotid, which is also near the ear. Researchers say that cell-phone related cancer may have to do with the fact that while the radiation produced by the phones isn't all that strong, it's all focused on the head and neck area. And several studies that point to a link between cell phones and cancer show that tumors tend to occur on the side of the head where the patient holds the phone.

Yikes! Unhand that mobile, people! Just how important is that phone call?

Regardless of whether you think this is all a bunch of bunk, it's something to think about, especially when it comes to kids. The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center says you shouldn't let children use a cell phone (no matter how much they beg!) except for emergencies. And pregnant ladies should keep those things as far from the fetus as possible. Keep your calls short and pregnant or not, don't carry the phone on your body, and use an earpiece.

And if you can bear it, use that old-fashioned item picking up dust in the kitchen...the wired phone. Sure, wired may be tired. But at least it's not cancer causing.

Danielle Wood is the Director of Editorial for Education.com. You can reach her at editorial@education.com

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