It is a controversial topic, and one that has for all intents and purposes, been swept under the carpet:

Are mobile phone signals safe?

Most of us accept that even if they are not exactly safe, they are not exactly dangerous. And even if they are somewhat dangerous, life with out them would be impossible and it is just a risk we will have to take.

But as purveyors of the truth and good research, let alone as a company in the phone business, this is a topic we wanted to dig into. Below is the opinion of Dr, David Carpenter, the director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, and the author of the Bioinitiative Report, one of the very few publications to evaluate the safety concerns associated with mobile phones. David received his degree at Harvard Medical School and has decades of experience studying public health and environmental contaminants, with more than 360 peer-reviewed articles bearing his name. Below is a Q&A with him that may shed some light on the topic of mobile signals and health.

Note that Dr. Carpenter's views are his, and do not represent VTSL's. Please also note that VoIP phones, like VTSL's Mitel business devices, are not the same as mobile phones, and do not carry the same potential risks.

What kind of radiation are we exposed to when we use a mobile phone, and why is it dangerous?

We are exposed to radio frequency radiation. We don’t know exactly how it causes harm, but we do know that long-term extensive use of mobile phones increases the risk of cancer, and also alters brain metabolism (a.k.a. the brain’s energy supply—when compromised, it slows the brain down; when lost, the brain dies completely). Clearly the radiation gets into the brain, and the overall evidence indicates that it causes cancer.

What is the difference between radiation from mobile phones, radiation from WiFi signals, and radiation from regular electricity? Are they the same? Equally dangerous?

The strong evidence is that mobile phone use results in brain cancer and the extra-low frequency electromagnetic fields from regular electricity increase risk of childhood leukemia when children have excessive exposure. Each of these sources of EMF differs somewhat in frequency, low frequency (60 HZ) for electricity and high frequencies over quite a range for mobile phones, WiFi, smart meters, radar etc. Each of them also uses a base frequency, but often given in bursts or pulses. At present, it isn’t possible to answer the question if they are equally dangerous. 

What is electro-sensitivity and how can I tell if I have it? Are some people predisposed to electro-sensitivity?

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) is a syndrome where individuals suffer from pain, especially headaches, mental “brain fog,” tingling, and sharp shooting pains. It often, but not always, results from a sudden excessive exposure to either radio frequency or ordinary electricity type exposures. There is debate as to what percentage of the population has EHS, but it is somewhere between 2-10%. Some people are very disabled with EHS, and it is likely that many people have EHS without having recognised what causes their symptoms. There are also studies reporting that people that say they have EHS often cannot distinguish when they are exposed and not-exposed in a blinded situation.

You’ve explained many times that adequate research on this topic is lacking. Can you give an abbreviated version of the state of the field?

There is essentially no funding for this sort of research in the United States, and only a little in Europe or Asia. A major problem is that the engineering and physics communities have a statement of faith that there can be no biological effects of EMFs that do not cause tissue heating. These people dominate national and international EMF committees, and totally ignore the hundreds of publications showing biological and harmful effects. These national and international committees really do make statements that discourage research.

It seems like it would be incredibly difficult to study exposure since everyone is exposed to all different kinds of electromagnetic radiation in so many different areas of their lives. Is it possible to stage a scientifically sound study on this topic?

It is definitely difficult. There are accurate meters available now that individuals can wear, but certainly over periods of years we have different exposures as we move around through our environment, so exposure assessment is a very difficult issue.

Mobile phones are becoming essential for everyday productivity—is the precautionary principle justified when it can be so inconvenient to reduce exposure? Do corded headsets and Bluetooth protect you from radiation?

It is not necessary to stop using your mobile phone, and one can do so without any significant exposure. Using a headset will greatly reduce exposure because the radiation falls off rapidly with distance—so hold the phone on your desk. A Bluetooth will protect your head, but if you have the active mobile phone on your belt or in your bra you only expose other parts of your body. There is some information on mobile phones in bras and increased risk of breast cancer, although I’m not aware of studies on GI or prostate cancer. The precautionary principle is certainly justified, even if only to encourage folks to not spend long hours on their mobile phone.

Is your phone dangerous when you’re not talking on it? Is it dangerous to sleep with or near your phone or use through Bluetooth in a car?

A mobile phone is absolutely dangerous when you’re not talking on it. Whenever the phone is on it will be releasing radio frequency radiation. The only solution is to either turn it off or, at least, keep it at a distance from the body. A hands-free mobile phone in a car is not necessarily dangerous, especially if your body is removed from the mobile phone, but be wary of the ability of the metal in the car to reflect radiation.

Conclusion

A definitive answer on this subject is no where to be found, but research and expert opinions do suggest that there are risks associated with mobile phone signals, even if small.  So before your business switches to mobiles only, perhaps have a think if it is worth the potential harm. For a free assessment on what type of business phone system is best for your office and budget, email info@vtsl.net or request a call back below.

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