CELL PHONE SAFETY STANDARDS NOT SAFE ENOUGH

If you think your cell phone's low SAR rating will keep you
safe from your phone's radio frequency/microwave radiation,
think again. Several studies have shown that even low-intensity
radiation, up to 200,000 lower than existing safety standards,
produces biological effects.

What is SAR, anyway?

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the amount of
radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a
mobile phone. The FCC has adopted limits for safe exposure to
radio frequency and requires cell phone manufacturers to ensure
that their phones comply. Any cell phone at or below these SAR
levels (that is, any phone legally sold in the U.S.) is a "safe"
phone, as measured by these standards. The FCC limit for public
exposure from cellular telephones is an SAR level of 1.6 watts
per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). (You can request your cell phone's
SAR information from the manufacturer or your carrier.)

When radio frequency energy impinges upon your body tissue,
part of it is absorbed and converted to heat due to ionic
conduction. This heat manifests itself as a temperature increase
inside the tissue. Earlier on the government and the industry
have come to the conclusion that if this heating is below a
certain level, then the radiation level is safe.

Biological Effects from Low Exposure

But several laboratory studies show that nonthermal (non-heating)
effects, including those occurring at levels way below the
current SAR standards, can be dangerous. During the past
several years three out of four independent (non-industry
sponsored) research studies worldwide have been showing these
nonthermal effects, which include:
- DNA damage and nonrepair
- breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (allowing chemical
toxins and pathogens to reach the brain)
- lowered immunity
- decreased melatonin levels
- effects on stress proteins (indicating cell damage)
- formation of micronuclei (aberrations in cell nuclei which
are often markers for cancer)
- changes in calcium metabolism affecting communication
between cells
- changes in brainwave patterns as seen on EEG's
- plus effects observed on many different systems of the body.

Researchers are cautious in drawing any conclusions that these
effects are directly linked to major health problems like
cancer and neurological conditions. They are, however, plausible
precursors to such conditions, and some evidence suggests there
may be an association. Even conservative researchers who have
looked into these nonthermal effects express concern that this
radiation is a "probable" cause of health problems.

Given that bioeffects have been seen in exposures as low as
0.000021 W/Kg (Kwee study on Changes in cell cycle and cell
proliferation, 1997) when the FCC limit is 1.6 W/Kg, the
safety guidelines need to be re-evaluated. Some scientists,
for instance, are calling for a new measure that would
indicate the total energy absorbed by a tissue, not just the
radio frequency energy as it is with SAR.

Filling the Gap

In the meantime, what do you, as the consumer, do? If the
whole tobacco controversy was any indication, it could take
several more years before there develops any clear consensus
about this issue. The everyday cell phone user cannot afford
to wait. Every time you make a call with your cell phone,
radio frequency waves penetrate into your head and potentially
put your health at risk.

To address the concerns of the public becoming more aware of
the dangers of cell phone radiation, there has grown a market
to fill the need for protective solutions. Promising new
technologies that have passed scientific testing are proven
to be effective in preventing biological stress caused by
electromagnetic frequencies. Scientists and health professionals
concerned about public health recommend these scientifically
validated devices and you ought it to yourself to investigate
them.

It took two decades of study, 100 years of consumer use, and
untold millions of casualties before the U.S. Surgeon General's
warning label was placed on cigarette packs. A time will come
when the government becomes satisfied with the voluminous
data it needs to establish the health risks of cell phone use
and set new safety standards. Until then, make sure you do not
become a number in the statistics. Don't wait.

(c) copyright 2005 Taraka Serrano

Taraka Serrano is a health advocate associated with BIOPRO
Technology, a company that provides electromagnetic field (EMF)
protection solutions. For more information about the health
dangers of EMF exposure and to find out how you can protect
yourself and your family, watch the special video report:
"The Invisible Dangers of EMF Radiation" at:
http://www.emf-health.com