Health Canada suggests cellphone users text instead of talk

According to Health Canada, there are a small number of epidemiology studies that have shown brain cancer rates might be elevated in long-term or heavy cellphone users. While it does acknowledge that other studies studies have not supported this association, The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently classified of RF energy—which cellphones emit—as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

Like the sun, it shouldn't hurt it small doses but extended exposure may be harmful. HC recommends that consumers limit the length of cell phone calls, replace cell phone calls with text messages or use "hands-free" devices, and encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage.

Health Canada has developed guidelines for safe human exposure to RF energy. The guidelines were updated in 2009, and the next update is planned for 2012.

The radiofrequency (RF) energy given off by cell phones and cell phone towers is a type of non-ionizing radiation, HC says, similar to the type of energy used in AM/FM radio and TV broadcast signals. Cellphones are designed to operate at the minimum power necessary to connect and maintain a quality call, meaning that the RF energy exposure levels even near cellphone towers are typically well below the safety limits and are not considered a health concern.

Photo: Scientific American