The levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted by our mobiles are the subject of constant debate between experts and the society that lives with a device that is already essential in our lives. The debate opens around the lack of conclusion, or perhaps the conclusion, that there is no evidence that this type of emissions can negatively affect our health.
If we cling to the maxim that “the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence” it is possible that this controversy coexists with us for longer than desired. But before going into details, let’s see what exactly we are talking about and where the origin of the controversy lies. It is something indubitable, that our mobiles emit radiofrequency radiation ( radio waves) from their antennas, which is a form of non-ionizing radiation. The parts of the body closest to the antenna can absorb this energy. The concern of many is how much of this energy our body can absolve and at what levels it could be harmful.
Non-ionizing radiation
There are substantial differences between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation (which is emitted by our terminals). The former are the type of radiation with sufficient energy to ionize matter, that is, they can extract electrons from their state bound to the atom. This type of radiation is released in the form of electromagnetic waves in the form of X-rays or gamma rays or even in the form of particles (alpha and beta or neutrons). Ionizing radiation generates chemical changes in cells and can even damage DNA, due to the mutations generated in the process and generally linked to high or prolonged exposures.
On the contrary, the non-ionizing radiation emitted by our mobiles should not generate chemical changes in cells or damage DNA. Studies in this regard do not manage to gather enough scientific evidence to firmly affirm that non-ionizing radiation is a detriment to health. In addition, mobile phones must adhere to established radiation emission standards, which often fall well below the limits.
SAR absorption rate
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate of absorption of RF (radio frequency) energy in the body. It is defined as the power absorbed by the mass of the tissues and has units of (W / kg). The permissiveness of this measure is even variable according to the different countries. Thus, in the United States, a maximum of 1.6 W / kg is allowed, and in Europe up to 2W / kg.
In the case of mobile phone manufacturers, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires SAR tests, including the most severe operating conditions, in the worst cases (and in the highest powers) for all frequency bands, to certify that the device complies with the Commission standards.
Therefore, all mobile phones must meet FCC RF energy exposure standards , which are set at levels much lower than those at which harmful effects could occur, as indicated by laboratory experiments and on which experts in medicine and biology generally agree
Is this radiation harmful?
We are clear that the radiation emitted by our mobiles reaches our body and organs, but is it harmful? No study has yet been able to find any clear evidence of a relationship between the SAR absorption rate and possible harmful effects on our body.
One of the largest studies in this regard, published in 2006 in Denmark, studied more than 420,000 citizens for 20 years without finding significant evidence of the incidence of cancer. Likewise, the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) has stated on several occasions that the weight of scientific evidence has not linked exposure to radiofrequency energy from the use of mobile phones with any health problem in or below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
Public health data do not refer to an association between exposure to radio frequency energy from cell phone use and health problems. In fact, the rate of diagnosed brain and other nervous system cancers in the United States has declined over the past 15 years. In the same vein, we find the opinion of the National Cancer Institute, making it clear that “currently there is no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases the risk of cancer in humans”
The Scientific Committee of the European Union on Emerging and Recently Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR), has also concluded that there are no evident adverse effects on health, if the exposure remains below the levels recommended by the EU legislation. hypersensitivity to EMFs (idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields), research consistently shows that there is no causal link between self-reported symptoms and this type of exposure.
What conclusion do we reach?
It is possible that many defend that the impossibility of finding a unicorn makes its existence possible within a highly variable spectrum of possibilities. However, if we stick to the conclusions of the experts and the empirical tests, our mobile phones are totally safe as long as the radiation levels required by the authorities are respected .
The relationships between serious illnesses or disorders derived from non-ionizing radiation emitted by our terminals have not been proven. In this sense, if you feel safer by turning off your mobile at night, deactivating data or activating Airplane Mode, you can do it. It is sure that you will save battery and you will not wake up in the middle of the night with the sound notification of some application.
On the other hand, you can keep it on if you want, even though advocates otherwise call you reckless. In this sense, what is shown for the moment is that both unjustified prevention (having silver bullets in case the werewolf comes) and “recklessness” in the face of something not proven or conclusive, have practically the same meaning.