In today's technologically advanced world we are constantly connected, tuned in or engaged through one digital entity or another. While computers and smartphones have enhanced our lives in many ways, there is also concern that these technologies have the potential to cause health problems such as cancer.
Cellphones and smartphones, specifically, are a source of radiation, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, whether or not this type of radiation can actually increase the risk of cancer has been in question for quite some time.
Smartphones and Radiation
There are two types of electromagnetic radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. The first is emitted through cosmic rays, radon and X-rays, while the later has a much lower frequency. According to the NCI, these wireless, mobile telephones exude non-ionizing radiation known as radio waves or radiofrequency energy. Though this radiation exposure may have the potential to damage healthy tissue in the body, short-term and long-term adverse health effects are still under investigation.
In the interim however, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared the electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," according to the World Health Organization. This rate of exposure to radiofrequency fields does drop significantly the farther away from the body the cellular device is, noted the source. For activities 12 to 15 inches away from the head, such as text messaging and using the internet, the potential radiation effects are much lower than when the device is held up against the ear.
The results of a formal risk assessment of all studied health outcomes from radiofrequency fields exposure conducted by the WHO is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.
A Growing Concern
One of the main reasons that these concerns have come to light in recent years is due to the increase of cellphone use. As of April 2015, more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. were smartphone owners, according to the Pew Research Center. This number was up from 35 percent just four years prior.
"More than two-thirds of Americans are smartphone owners."
According to the source, many smartphone users rely on their device for a number of important interactions including online banking, accessing health information and even taking educational classes, indicating a strong reliance on these phones.
As such, government organizations have found it increasingly important to study and understand any potential impact to public health, noted the WHO.
Tips For Smartphone Use
If you're concerned about the effects of smartphone use and radiation, the FDA has suggested opting for hands-free technology when possible. This places more distance between the head of the caller and the smartphone device itself. Additionally, consider limiting the duration of your phones calls or opting to use a landline instead.
Additionally, Hallelujah Acres offers a GIA Cell Guard that can be placed on your phone to provide an initial line of defense against electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation.
Several years ago, a thermal imaging test on this device was performed and showcased a substantial difference in the impact of EMF on the body with and without the chip. This was displayed in the two following images:
