Influence of mobile phones on health: real threat or the next myth?

You for certain had to hear time and again that mobile phones at long use do serious harm to an organism. From native, familiar, doctors, by radio or TV. And it is valid; conversations on this theme do not stop since that moment when mobile phones only started to enter into our life. Whether however so it actually? Whether mobile phones are harmful to health? Or it only a myth? Today we will try to understand in the circumstances and we will familiarize with different versions and results of researches.

- The external aerial of any device (as, however, and internal) can lead to temporary dysfunction of vocal chords in view of constant disputes, that from them more abruptly.
- Influence on a potentiality - positive: phone adhered to a device, will help to improve your sexual function, especially in a vibration mode.
- To pick the aerial in an ear can lead to loss of acoustical function.
- Hanging on belt Ericsson А1018 or R320 it prevents to be bent to a foot that conducts to pathological infringements of impellent function.

Certainly, it simply jokes which went on the Internet 2001 when conversations on harm of use of mobile phones only just began. Since then phones have very far promoted in the development, and it has given new occasions to disputes on their harm. Thus, certainly, disputes became more. And if it was spoken basically about adverse influence of radiation of the telephone transmitter on ears and a brain bark it is now spoken and about influence on sexual system, on heart, on attention and ability to concentration, on informative function and even on a dream earlier. The Yellow press with diligence peculiar to it is distressed concerning awful harm from phones. Sellers of phones in shops - opposite, speak about absolute harmlessness and almost utility. To whom all the same to trust - to journalists who sleep and see, what their material inexplicably will affect consciousness of society, or to the sellers interested only in extraction of the maximum profit? We with pleasure would tell, that in the given question to trust follows us, however to make it for some reasons cannot. Well, today we will familiarize with different versions about harmful influence of phones on health and we will look at results of some researches.

First of all we will clear up: many researches against which journalists of a yellow press lean have objectively become outdated. Probably, anybody from our readers would not buy the milk package which working life has expired couple of years back. Data of various researches hi-tech devices so quickly become outdated. For example, researches of phones which were issued in 1998 hardly will show such results, as researches of modern phones. However, we will speak about it more lowly.
It is a little statistics

But to begin with we will bring a few statistical data. The most exhaustive data by quantity of phones per capita usually represents the International telecommunication union (International Telecommunication Union). Last from similar ratings is dated by the end of 2004. Now these figures, certainly, have changed, however it should not affect arrangement of places. So...

«The greatest number of mobile phones is per capita marked in the European countries and most technologically advanced countries of Asia. The first place in a rating was occupied with Taiwan. It is one of two countries of the world where the number of cellular telephones exceeds number of inhabitants (10645 devices on 10000 inhabitants). On the second place there is Luxembourg. This country left on prize-winning places in many respects thanking very much to a small number of inhabitants (10134 phones on 10000 persons of the population). One more representative of Asia - Hong Kong (9298 phones on everyone 10 thousand persons) closes a three of leaders. The fourth and fifth places - at Italy (9265) and Iceland (9028). All places with 6th on 15 are occupied with Europeans. After Iceland there is Sweden and Czech, on 8th place there was Finland. The leader in the field of high technologies, Japan, strangely enough, only on 26th place (6211). The USA - on 29th. There one mobile phone is necessary approximately on two inhabitants. The most densely populated country of the world, China, too is not too sated yet by mobile phones. With an indicator of 1609 mobile phones on 10 thousand persons China has settled down on 39th place. Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar close the list. There the mobile communication is presented purely nominally - 552, 234, 166, 100 and even 3 (!) mobile phones on 10 thousand inhabitants accordingly. Russia, as well as other CIS countries, has not got to this list as composers of a rating did not have statistical data. However, as experts, in Russia now about 35 million mobile phones so it could be in this rating on 37th place, after Mexico »consider.

That is top-5 the countries with the greatest quantity of mobile phones per capita will look as follows:
Taiwan
Luxembourg
Hong Kong
Italy
Iceland


Well, and now we will start consideration of harmful influence of mobile phones. Also we will begin with exotic cases. For example, with such when the person speaking by phone, received blow by a lightning. Similar cases, certainly, was a little. However it was spoken about them very much.

In the summer of this year the theme of defeat by a lightning rose in the Great Britain: the case when the lightning has struck in phone schoolgirl just has in sight got while it accepted a call. To conclude it it was possible on character of traumas. According to doctors, the category has passed through an ear and has resulted in rupture of a membrane and brain defeat. Therefore the girl has lost hearing, memory and it has appeared paralyzed. On the published data, annually only in the Great Britain a lightning strikes nearby 40 persons, the tenth part from which perishes. Probability of hit of a lightning in working phone several times above probability of hit in the person. It managed to be installed in China, in 2004 when one of local tourists has received a lightning stroke during excursion about the Great Chinese wall. According to the Chinese doctors and employees of the Peking University, the mobile phone radiating electromagnetic waves, promotes electricity passage. In case of usual hit of a lightning in the person the charge dissipates on all body thanks to what many of victims survive. In a case with phone blow is necessary precisely in the purpose so the probability of a lethal outcome repeatedly increases.

Similar cases, by the way, took place to be not only in the Great Britain and China, but also in France, in South Korea, and also in Canada and on the South American continent.

Certainly, the brought figures are too small to force people to be afraid to use phones during a thunder-storm, especially in city conditions. However if you can appear in rainy weather with phone far from a civilization, it is necessary to remember the described cases - care still never stirred to nobody.

However it is everything as you understand, from the category of extreme cases, therefore to be late here we will not be, and we will pass at once to more essential problems, namely to harm of electromagnetic radiation of phone in an operating time.
SAR - what is it?

According to definition, SAR (or Specific Absorption Rate) is the unit of measure showing the maximum specific power, absorbed by a human body at usual conversation on a cellular telephone. The maximum safe level - 2,0. And the overwhelming majority of modern phones have SAR from 0,5 to 1,0.

Unit of measure SAR is the watt on kg (Vt/kg). In the North America, and also in the countries of Asian-Pacific region size SAR is defined on 1 г fabrics. In this case maximum value SAR makes 1,6 Vt/kg. In Europe and other countries size SAR is defined on 10 g fabrics. Here again it is already maximum admissible value SAR 2 Vt/kg are. It is necessary to notice at once, that size SAR is maximum capacity of radiation that is the majority of phones at usual use the point in 2 Vt/kg extremely seldom reach.

In Russia the situation with SAR looks both ridiculously and ridiculously simultaneously. The matter is that at us SAR officially it is not recognized as sanitary norm. And as makeshift it is accepted to trust the European standards. If to trust the sanitary norms developed still for the USSR no of modern phones in no event can be used, putting to an ear. In general about SAR it is possible to speak long, important to know the following: this indicator absolutely is not connected in any way with phone cost ("more cheaply" at all does not mean worse, and more expensively not always means better). Today manufacturers do not aspire to reduction of value SAR - they are excited much more with questions of creation of unique design and maximum functions at the minimum cost, the main thing - not to exceed admissible norm. Experts often compare SAR at various models of phones; regularly publish lists of models with maximum and minimum to values of this indicator. The last, that it was possible to get, looks as follows:
The highest indicators SAR
Motorola SLVR L6 (1,58)
Motorola V120c (1,55)
Motorola V70 (1,54)
Motorola C290 (1,53)
Motorola P8767 (1,53)
Motorola ST7868 (1,53)
Motorola ST7868W (1,53)
Motorola A845 (1,51)
Palm Treo 650 GSM (1,51)
Panasonic Allure (1,51)
The lowest indicators SAR
Audiovox PPC66001 (0,12)
Motorola MPx200 (0,2)
Motorola Timeport L7089 (0,22)
Qualcomm pdQ-1900 (0,263)
T-Mobile Sidekick (0,276)
Samsung SGH-S100 (0,296)
Samsung SGH-S105 (0,296)
Sony Ericsson Z600 (0,31)
Mitsubishi G360 (0,32)
Siemens S40 (0,33)

As we see, more often others here it was lighted Motorola. Especially in the first list. Has got here and the GSM-version of communicator Palm Treo 650. At the same time popular smart phone Motorola MPx200 has settled down on the second line of the list of models with the least value SAR. If your model in this list is not present, means, it has settled down somewhere in the middle. It is normal.

Logic here the simple: the less SAR, the better for your health. The accepted norms mean full safety of use for people, at which everything is all right with health. But as not too it is a lot of those, and without mobile phone use today practically not to manage, there is variety of questions. In what mode phone is most dangerous? In it’s what place is better to carry?

Whether the mobile phone is dangerous to health?

The carried out researches yet do not give the unequivocal answer to this question. However the majority of the scientists, radiations dealing with by a problem, urge to be careful at using a mobile communication. As mobile phone carrying will be reflected in a breast or in a pocket on health of the person, the science does not know yet.

The basic question exciting scientists throughout last ten-fifteen years - as reacts a human body (in particular, his brain) to a source of the electromagnetic field generated by a mobile phone being in immediate proximity from it.

There are proved suspicions, which the organism reacts to an irradiation inadequately. In the mid-nineties some researchers have already written down a mobile phone in the category of devices which can cause headaches, sight deterioration, and sleeplessness, loss of consciousness and to stimulate growth of cancer cages. Recently the scientists investigating problems of influence no ionize radiation, not so are categorical, however the list of possible frustration and diseases at subscribers of a mobile communication remains impressing. To mobile phones charge with formation of the so-called stresses-fibers causing blood clots; infringements of a dream and occurrence of a condition of alarm (stress); an allergy and the raised danger of hit under a lightning stroke. Other reports testify that in a mobile phone operative range the irradiated chicken embryos mutate and perish more often, than in usual conditions, and rats go mad. Opponents object: As the person is at higher step of development, also stability to harmful influence of such radiations at it above, than at rats.

Let's understand in half a century
The thesis about "an innocence presumption" mobile communication is not challenged yet. Official bodies adhere to that point of view, which if for ten years of researches harm of a mobile communication is not proved, means, it does not exist.

The international scientifically-practical conference "Cellular communication: medical and biologic and social aspects" became an occasion to occurrence of a new coil in dispute on advantage or harm of a mobile communication. However all participants of conference have agreed in opinion, that influence consequences no ionize radiation on a human body become obvious only in 50 years.

The chairman of the Russian national committee on protection from no ionize radiation professor Jury Grigoriev has let know, that it is necessary to oblige operators and manufacturers of phones and the equipment to warn users about harm which, probably, is rendered to their health. At an establishment of communication phone gives out a shock dose of radiation which collects a human body. Therefore, according to Jury Grigoriev, use of mobile phones by children till 16 years should be strictly limited. With the request to fix these offers at legislative level committee addressed in Ministry of Health, however has not found there understanding.

In Russia the most rigid restrictions work
Ministry of Health insists, that ("Hygienic requirements to placing and operation of means of an overland mobile radio communication", SanPin 2) it is enough sanitary-and-epidemiologic rules working since June, 1st, 2003 and specifications for maintenance of health of subscribers. These rules recommend (but do not forbid) to limit in using cellular telephones of teenagers till 18 years, pregnant women and people with cardio stimulators. Really, in requirements the most rigid are installed in the world of restriction on a maximum level of electromagnetic radiation of a subscriber set - 100 mkvt / sq. sm, where power of radiation of phone (and any other source of radio-waves) is defined by quantity of the energy falling to square centimeters of a surface.

The problem consists that all other world considers electromagnetic radiation by other technique - Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) which describes power of absorption of radiation by a human body and pays off on one kg of substance. Value SAR fluctuates for mobile phones from 0,2 (in a "sleeping" mode) to 2 Vt/kg (in a connection installation time). All manufacturers specify value SAR in this range and let know, that their phones satisfy to standard documents of the countries-manufacturers. However for the Russian owners of mobile phones the specified values SAR about what do not speak.

Do not give phone to children
"All business in a difference of approaches, - the head of laboratory of magnetic fields of scientific research institute of Medicine of work professor Jury Paltsev speaks. - we, unlike the western colleagues, consider in SanPin not only thermal influence, but also other factors no ionized radiation which influence a human body at using a mobile phone". According to Palcev, the measurement technique is already fulfilled, and all models presented in the Russian market, do not exceed admissible border in 100 mkvt / sq. see At the same time, judging by the data of the Saratov state university promulgated at conference, any of 48 tested mobile phones to these requirements does not satisfy. «In measurements the laboratories certificated by Ministry of Health should be engaged only. Data about norm excess in 100 mkvt / sq. sm of mobile phones mismatch the validity», - the head of department of hygiene no ionized radiation Federal service on supervision in sphere of protection of the rights of consumers and well-being of person Alexander Sterlikov objects.

Anyway, it is necessary for owners of mobile phones to care of safety precautions observance. Choose a mobile phone with the least power of radiation. Use it as seldom as possible (how cellular operators insisted on the return). Do not talk to the interlocutor more than 4-5 minutes, and it is even better - use to set "hands free" which considerably reduces radiation level. Do not carry phone in a pocket or on a breast and do not allow using it to children.

Cellular breakage
In many states the problem of recycling of the electro devices which have served the term (including mobile phones) costs today extremely sharply. According to scientists, only the EU countries annually send on a dump to 6 million tons (!) of computers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. The expenses connected with it in the Western Europe make hundred millions dollars. In Japan, according to "optimistically" forecasts of researchers, by 2008 for a dust burial place at all there will be no place.

The young industry of cellular communication disturbs ecologists especially. First of all because phones let out much (almost 500 million a year), and life cycle at them short. On the statistician - from eight about ten months. Certainly, owners do not hasten to get rid of phones. But when on change to out-of-date models come more convenient and quite accessible at the price of a novelty very few people will resist temptation. As a result - «used» mobile phones in tons go on a dump.

Making comments on a situation, manufacturers complain about whims of the users, demanding all new functional and design miracles. Certainly, business not only in it. The big influence on speed of working out of models is rendered by a competition between manufacturers. Refusal of perfection of technologies would be equivalent for each of them to a descent from a distance.

CIRCULATION OF PHONES IN THE NATURE
Process of natural replacement of mobile phones plunges ecologists into a shock. The special alarm is caused by that fact, that practically all devices getting on dumps contain the components concerning a category of the problem. Among them lead known for the toxicity, mercury, chrome and cadmium. However, and usual plastic (of which phone consists almost on 50 %) does not decorate a natural landscape.

To honor of manufacturers, they do not shut eyes to a problem. Perhaps, most the active position in this question is occupied with Scandinavians - Nokia and Ericsson. Last years they continuously conduct the researches, which purpose - creation of ecologically harmless cellular devices. The panacea is not found yet, but certain successes it is available.

For example, by analogy to become unfit for use cars the out-of-date or broken phones are offered to be used again: as raw materials, spare parts etc. The given process - recycling - gains today the increasing distribution. In the homeland Nokia has organized the whole network of places of acceptance (nearby 70) where consumers can at desire return the mobile phones which have served. For reception of devices there install the special... garbage cans. When the bucket is filled, phones withdraw and send for processing in the recirculation centers.

According to employees Nokia Mobile Phones, similar services are created now all over the world. In one region the Finnish firm is engaged recycling independently, in others - together with municipal authorities (in the Netherlands, Norway) or the industrial unions (in Australia).

Does not manage and without funny things. In February, 2000 "missionaries" from Nokia have reached Singapore. They intended to educate local population about advantages of recirculation. The motto «the Future in your hands», decorated doors of firm salons of communication, urged citizens to lower the phones which have served in special containers. To affliction of organizers, Singaporeans did not show due eagerness and even the spoilt accumulators left reluctantly.

To urge on their consciousness, Nokia has addressed for the help in... A zoo of Singapore. The Finnish company had to resort to the following dodge: the trained otter on nickname Pedro has begun to throw old mobile phones in the prepared bucket. Probably, it has worked: containers began to be filled. Nokia and to this day considers the Singapore experience in whole positive.

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO LITTER!
The hugest in the world a dump on Station-Island (near New York) for 53 years of the existence has occupied the area over 2000 acres (approximately 800 hectares - almost three times more than the New York Central park) and has risen places to 70 m above sea level. Under the pressure of the public a dump recently has preserved, but a question where to put a waste (including industrial), remains opened. Over its decision many companies, for example concern Ericsson fight. Swedes have carried out researches in the markets of Europe, Japan and the USA and have published the program of processing of the telecommunication equipment for these regions (Recycling of telecommunication products in Europe, Japan and USA).

In document Ericsson considers two key scenarios of recycling: manual dismantle and «shredder». If the first method does not demand special explanatory it is necessary to dwell upon the second. It has experimental character and is based on mechanical crushing of an electronic waste under a press. The weight received thus passes through the magnetic divider drawing iron parts. Then the special air filter helps to separate nonferrous metals from plastic etc.

Not pressing in nuances of the Swedish research, say, that now the rate becomes on «shredder». The given technology economically is more favorable. The income of a reuse of metals makes about $5 from each transceiver. Thus its manual dismantling and transportation to a meltdown place manages approximately in as much. And here cost «shredder» essentially is cheaper - only $2-0.

Depending on specificity of region and specific target Ericsson recommends to combine both methods as it will allow to reduce number of a waste and again to use that is possible (for example, gold, silver, copper, a palladium).

PERFECT METHOD
Despite obvious advantages, recirculation in the present kind does not solve a problem for hundred percent. One of stumbling-blocks - plastic recycling of which the tube case is made, its keyboard etc. Plastic is difficult for separating from every possible impurity for a meltdown, and to burn or dig in it is harmfully for ecology. Therefore manufacturers work now on creation of more friendly to environment of materials.

In particular, Nokia is engaged in similar researches within the limits of project Design for Environment (DfE). And it is not unsuccessful. Recently there was a message that the Finnish engineers intended during the next years to present on world community court... biodecomposed mobile phones. Certainly, they will decay not in hands and not in a pocket of the owner, and in strictly taken away places.

Tests of harmless cases are already conducted. However developers yet do not manage to find among polymeric materials such which would be strong enough (unfortunately, on phones easily there are scratches). Skeptics besides assume, that biodecomposed cases will start to become unfit for use before device "stuffing", being exposed to invasion of various fungi and bacteria. As far as fears are defensible, to speak early. But if good luck all the same smiles to experts Nokia, value of their opening will be difficult for overestimating.

THE LAW IS THE LAW
In summary some words about such prominent aspect of struggle for cleanliness of environment, as legislative base. In May the Euro Parliament has accepted two bills, directly a concerning question of recycling of an electro waste. Among other members of parliament have urged the European industrialists for 2007 to bring to nothing use of problem materials and to replace their more sparing.

Besides, they persistently recommended to manufacturers to accept free of charge the thrown out techniques and to process it... at own expense. In case it is impossible (for example, the manufacturer not European), responsibility is assigned to the importer.

Such laws are already entered in the Netherlands and Norway. In Germany, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Austria and Belgium similar statutory acts are going to come into force.

Now the Euro Parliament suggests toughening education of consumers by means of penalties - that people did not have a desire to throw the techniques anywhere. By the way, the rules working in Japan, more religiously: to leave a refrigerator or the TV, the owner should at first for it pay.

The federal authorities of the USA do not show special activity in similar questions. Only three states - California, Massachusetts and South Carolina - have started pilot recirculation projects electronic products. Possibly, to similar carelessness the extensive territory of the country has. At least, certain law is traced - the tiny countries-participants of EU zealously struggle with a waste.