The Rover Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Mobile phones 'more dangerous than smoking' Brain expert warns of huge rise in tumours and calls on industry to take immediate steps to reduce radiation Young people are at particular risk from exposure to radiation http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/he...2602.html?r=RSS By Geoffrey Lean Sunday, 30 March 2008 Mobile phones could kill far more people than smoking or asbestos, a study by an award-winning cancer expert has concluded. He says people should avoid using them wherever possible and that governments and the mobile phone industry must take "immediate steps" to reduce exposure to their radiation. The study, by Dr Vini Khurana, is the most devastating indictment yet published of the health risks. It draws on growing evidence – exclusively reported in the IoS in October – that using handsets for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer. Cancers take at least a decade to develop, invalidating official safety assurances based on earlier studies which included few, if any, people who had used the phones for that long. Earlier this year, the French government warned against the use of mobile phones, especially by children. Germany also advises its people to minimise handset use, and the European Environment Agency has called for exposures to be reduced. Professor Khurana – a top neurosurgeon who has received 14 awards over the past 16 years, has published more than three dozen scientific papers – reviewed more than 100 studies on the effects of mobile phones. He has put the results on a brain surgery website, and a paper based on the research is currently being peer-reviewed for publication in a scientific journal. He admits that mobiles can save lives in emergencies, but concludes that "there is a significant and increasing body of evidence for a link between mobile phone usage and certain brain tumours". He believes this will be "definitively proven" in the next decade. Noting that malignant brain tumours represent "a life-ending diagnosis", he adds: "We are currently experiencing a reactively unchecked and dangerous situation." He fears that "unless the industry and governments take immediate and decisive steps", the incidence of malignant brain tumours and associated death rate will be observed to rise globally within a decade from now, by which time it may be far too late to intervene medically. "It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking," says Professor Khurana, who told the IoS his assessment is partly based on the fact that three billion people now use the phones worldwide, three times as many as smoke. Smoking kills some five million worldwide each year, and exposure to asbestos is responsible for as many deaths in Britain as road accidents. Late last week, the Mobile Operators Association dismissed Khurana's study as "a selective discussion of scientific literature by one individual". It believes he "does not present a balanced analysis" of the published science, and "reaches opposite conclusions to the WHO and more than 30 other independent expert scientific reviews". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gainsbarre Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Yeah I wouldn't be surprised you know...Mobile Phones probably are the new cigarettes... But what I want to know is, do you have to keep well away from them? Like do you just get the cancer by talking into the phone too long over a period of years? Is it okay to just have it on your body?? Or is it a case of you need to dress up in a radiation suit to be able to use it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wesley Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 They limit the exposure radiologist's have when doing X-ray's. Apparently these radioactive beams shoot through your head relaying your transmission to the towers, so what would be the difference? I didn't read the whole story to completely understand, but it seems feasible to imagine a problem. If so, so long as it doesn't affect others around, go ahead, talk to your heart's content. I've never had a cell phone, never will, so I won't be affected by this if the danger is existent. So long as there's no "second hand" radiation leaking out! I can't stand this cell-phone culture. As I'm walking through the university campuses I frequent, at least half the people around me are blabbing away disconnected with the immediate surroundings. I wish there was a booth surrounding them too. It would be appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHD Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 They limit the exposure radiologist's have when doing X-ray's. Apparently these radioactive beams shoot through your head relaying your transmission to the towers, so what would be the difference? I didn't read the whole story to completely understand, but it seems feasible to imagine a problem. If so, so long as it doesn't affect others around, go ahead, talk to your heart's content. I've never had a cell phone, never will, so I won't be affected by this if the danger is existent. So long as there's no "second hand" radiation leaking out! I can't stand this cell-phone culture. As I'm walking through the university campuses I frequent, at least half the people around me are blabbing away disconnected with the immediate surroundings. I wish there was a booth surrounding them too. It would be appropriate. I agree. It does get a bit too much sometimes. Although in its defence, there have been a few occasions where I have been so thankful that I had my phone on me, so there's pros and cons of course. What I continue to be outraged by are the number of folk that drive whilst chatting away...it beggar's belief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 I've thought that people were nutty at the Supermarket several times, but came to realise that they were pushing their shopping cart and talking, with their BlueTooth, to their wife back home, to concur on just what the hell is it that they wanted... And not just having a conversation with their imaginery friend... ---------------------------------- And, as to this report.....if you use your cellphone to look at porn..... I guess you could go blind ... and get a tumor !!!! Bummer !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pb Derigable Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 I got fired one time because i refused to have a cell Phone attached to my hip for the same exact reasons.(little brain) I always left it in a bag or my truck. They told me it was a company paid phone and i had to be able to get a hold of at any time. So one day, they left me a message not to come in the next day and somebody will pick up he truck. It was fine, when they picked up the truck, it was 200lbs light of tools and I kept the phone. There are people i know, that will not make a phone call all day long, but as soon as they get in the car, they start yapping away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 There are people i know, that will not make a phone call all day long, but as soon as they get in the car, they start yapping away. I think we need to go "hands free" for drivers as a Federal Motor Law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gainsbarre Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 I think we need to go "hands free" for drivers as a Federal Motor Law. In Australia, if the Cops catch you driving and talking on your phone, it's a $250 fine and your phone gets confiscated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lake of Shadows Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Yeah I wouldn't be surprised you know...Mobile Phones probably are the new cigarettes... But what I want to know is, do you have to keep well away from them? Like do you just get the cancer by talking into the phone too long over a period of years? Is it okay to just have it on your body?? Or is it a case of you need to dress up in a radiation suit to be able to use it? Just don't inhale... I think we need to go "hands free" for drivers as a Federal Motor Law. I agree about coming across so many folks talking on their cell phones while driving. There have been times I was sitting at a light during commute hour and every person going by had a phone to his or her ear. Aaargh. I try not to talk on the phone while driving but there have been a few times it was unavoidable, and I couldn't find a place to pull off the road. OTOH, I've read a couple articles or studies or something that claim the problem isn't the hand held phones per se, but the distraction and inattention to surroundings that occurs during the phone conversations... and that the hands-free thing didn't really improve that. Likewise, there is the same problem with people changing cds or tapes, changing radio stations, etc. etc. The thing with the phones vs. those is that the phone conversations last longer. I don't remember where or even when I read that stuff but it was a couple years ago. That said, I think hands-free is probably a good idea... it just may not be the panacea some folks hope it will be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzfan715 Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 So I'm going to die because I have a cell phone? Won't a normal phone have the same effect? Ah well, I'm going to die someday anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pb Derigable Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 I think we need to go "hands free" for drivers as a Federal Motor Law. Amen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manderlyh Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 I really hate it when I hear people's seemingly intimate conversations with another person in public. I am a checker at a grocery store, and I've heard everything from someone talking dirty to their partner on the phone to someone talking about why they're getting a divorce. It's the self-moderation in today's society that's making cell phones a problem. If I get a phone call in public, I make it quick and to the point. If it's important, I go somewhere I can have a private conversation, otherwise, I ask the person if I can talk to them later. I have to wonder about the intelligence of some people who I overhear talking on their phones in public. I hear them tell stories about really, really stupid things they've done or want to do, and it makes me believe that someone who I'd otherwise think a decent and reasonably intelligent person is a moron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRB Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I'm glad I keep my conversations limited; many times I'm on a mobile I think of that. Don't get me started about Bluetooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzfan715 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 There was a lady in a bathroom one time who had one of those little bluetooth headsets and she said hi. I thought she was talking to me and so I said hi back. She just gave me this strange look, then I figured it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock Action Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 GOOD. Cell phones are so fucking overused these days. Can't people talk AT HOME, fer fuck's sakes? For business/emergency reasons, I understand. Beyond that it's ridiculous at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lzfan715 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I use mine a lot. Espeacially when I go shopping because if I need to find my mom I can just call her and find her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share Posted March 31, 2008 OTOH, I've read a couple articles or studies or something that claim the problem isn't the hand held phones per se, but the distraction and inattention to surroundings that occurs during the phone conversations... and that the hands-free thing didn't really improve that. Likewise, there is the same problem with people changing cds or tapes, changing radio stations, etc. etc. The thing with the phones vs. those is that the phone conversations last longer. I don't remember where or even when I read that stuff but it was a couple years ago. That said, I think hands-free is probably a good idea... it just may not be the panacea some folks hope it will be. I've heard to the same arguement about the distraction factor, hand held or hands free. But here's the thing.... I would rather have drivers with both hands on the wheel, or the option to do so, rahter than, one hand with the phone and the other on the wheel.......regarless of any "distraction" issues. For whatever reason, if a driver needs to swerve --suddenly--, then the split second time delay to drop the phone, or put it down, is not worth the risk, over steering and correction need Both hands on the wheel ! The "distraction" arguement is no arguement at all for me.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pb Derigable Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I tell you one thing, if one of those fucking yuppies starts talking on the phone while im at the cubs game tomorrow. I swear to god, I following him out to his car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lake of Shadows Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 There was a lady in a bathroom one time who had one of those little bluetooth headsets and she said hi. I thought she was talking to me and so I said hi back. She just gave me this strange look, then I figured it out. What gets me are the people who continue a conversation while in a public bathroom. There have been several occasions when I've been in one and I'd hear someone in the next stall having a phone conversation. I was also hearingf various folks using the toilet, flushing the toilet, etc. That is not something I want to hear over the phone, nor would I want the person I was talking with to hear it. Sorry, but if it ain't a call to 911 with a plea for emergency aid, don't talk on the phone in the bathroom. (Maybe this should be in the Pet Peeves thread...). I've heard to the same arguement about the distraction factor, hand held or hands free. But here's the thing.... I would rather have drivers with both hands on the wheel, or the option to do so, rahter than, one hand with the phone and the other on the wheel.......regarless of any "distraction" issues. For whatever reason, if a driver needs to swerve --suddenly--, then the split second time delay to drop the phone, or put it down, is not worth the risk, over steering and correction need Both hands on the wheel ! The "distraction" arguement is no arguement at all for me.... Well I'm not disagreeing with you either... just expanding on it a little. I remember 4 bicyclists getting run over in California several years ago because the driver was fumbling with her music stuff. I'm glad to see that some cars now come with some radio/cd player controls located in the center of the steering wheel by the airbag stuff. I just wish people would apply a little common sense and some courtesy to their daily lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I really hate it when I hear people's seemingly intimate conversations with another person in public. I am a checker at a grocery store, and I've heard everything from someone talking dirty to their partner on the phone to someone talking about why they're getting a divorce. It's the self-moderation in today's society that's making cell phones a problem. If I get a phone call in public, I make it quick and to the point. If it's important, I go somewhere I can have a private conversation, otherwise, I ask the person if I can talk to them later. I have to wonder about the intelligence of some people who I overhear talking on their phones in public. I hear them tell stories about really, really stupid things they've done or want to do, and it makes me believe that someone who I'd otherwise think a decent and reasonably intelligent person is a moron. I run into this all the time, it drives me nuts. I really think some of these people are just insecure. It makes you wonder if they are actually talking to someone or just trying to be the centre of attention Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 *thanks for the heads up. people should exploit this before oprah does a show about it and they're banned from use. buy one open it up , crank the output levels (for better reception/output) then give it to that "overly perky" coworker or meddlesome inlaw as a peace offering. befriend him/her/it. call them often shower them with self grandeur to keep them coming back. you get the picture. *parody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roblindblad Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 That's old news that the cell phone industry has been trying to shut down for years. When I was a university student in 1991 I did a project on cell phones and decided not to use them because of the clear evidence of cancerous tumors that appeared on the body in areas used by people who had cell phones. Keith Richards said it when the Rolling Stones were on their tour sponsered by Bell Cellular while responding to a question from a reporter who asked what he thought of cell phones "It's like sticking your head in a microwave oven." A recent study has shown that the cell phone stunts the growth of the brain in children up to 17 tears old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roblindblad Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 That's old news that the cell phone industry has been trying to shut down for years. When I was a university student in 1991 I did a project on cell phones and decided not to use them because of the clear evidence of cancerous tumors that appeared on the body in areas used by people who had cell phones. Keith Richards said it when the Rolling Stones were on their tour sponsered by Bell Cellular while responding to a question from a reporter who asked what he thought of cell phones "It's like sticking your head in a microwave oven." A recent study has shown that the cell phone stunts the growth of the brain in children up to 17 tears old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roblindblad Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Human DNA when exposed to microwave radiation for two minutes starts to breakdown and if you are thinking that by attaching headphones to your cell phone you are escaping the effects that is in error because the wire increases exposure by seven times as it also becomes an extension of the microwave antenna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share Posted March 31, 2008 What gets me are the people who continue a conversation while in a public bathroom. There have been several occasions when I've been in one and I'd hear someone in the next stall having a phone conversation. I was also hearingf various folks using the toilet, flushing the toilet, etc. That is not something I want to hear over the phone, nor would I want the person I was talking with to hear it. Sorry, but if it ain't a call to 911 with a plea for emergency aid, don't talk on the phone in the bathroom. (Maybe this should be in the Pet Peeves thread...). I have been in telephone Customer Service jobs where, customers called in, but had to wait on hold for several minutes to speak to an agent. So the next call comes in, and I'm talking with this man or woman, and 5 mintues later into the call, I haer the toilet flush! So that means, at the time they were talking to me, they were sitting on the crapper.... Gross ! ! I suppose that they were calling with a cell phone or a wireless phone, and after being on hold, they found they needed to use the bathroom, and, just took the phone in their with them, not wanting to call back and get at the back of the line.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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