Cell Phone Effects on the Human Brain

Cell Phone and the Brain

Cell phone usage has become part of daily life for many Americans. As with any new technology, health risks associated with cell phones are not always apparent and take time to surface. As popularity of this technology increases, so does the research surrounding this topic. One concern leading to an increase in research surrounding this topic is the amount of radiation emitted by a mobile device. This radiation is known as radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) (Agarwal, 2009). According to Agarwal (2009), cell phone companies claim this radiation safe, yet numerous studies on both animals and humans have shown cause for concern. Areas for concern include, but are not limited to, change in cognitive ability and even tumors (Agarwal, 2009; Hardell, 2006). Although federal regulations limit the amount of radiation emitted by one device, studies remain inconclusive as to the safety of these devices at even levels below the regulations (Agarwal, 2009). The literature suggests the effects of cell phones on the brain are inconclusive at this time. Research is limited by measurement and methodology (Regel, 2011). However, given the increasing reliance on this technology and preliminary data that suggests negative effects are possible, this topic proves worthy of discussion. This paper seeks to identify and discuss concerns associated with cell phone use and the brain by investigating two possible areas of concern; cognitive ability and brain cancer.

Speculation regarding the dangers of cell phones stems from the radiation emitted by cell phones. The radiation that is emitted has raised concern among researchers, yet this concern has done little to slow the growth of cell phone use in America or other developed countries. A possible reason for this is the name given to the radiation. The radiation is referred to as "radiofrequency energy." According to Davis (Cell Phone Use- Is it Safe? An Interview with Devra Lee Davis, PhD, MPH., 2011), the language we use to discuss the radiation has led people to believe that it is safe when in actuality, the radiation is microwave energy. Further, Davis states that cell phones have never undergone extensive testing before entering the United States and therefore the danger is unknown.

One possible effect mobile phones have on health is that of cognitive function. As with other areas, the affects are not yet clear. Yet, a growing number of studies have identified significant differences in cognitive ability following exposure to RF-EMW. Huber, Treyer, Borbely, Schuderer, Gottselig, Landolt & Acherman (2002) found exposure to radiation similar to that emitted from a cell phone was related to changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as noted in a PET scan. This is significant as this area of the brain has an effect on working memory. This finding is consistent with other studies on behavior changes following EMF exposure that assess changes in working memory (Huber, 2002). However, data is not entirely conclusive. While some studies support this finding, others conclude no significant change post exposure (Agarwal, 2009), while others indicate positive changes, such as increased reaction time in cognitive task tests (Regel, 2011). Regel cites inconsistencies in methodology as a possible cause of contradictory findings. For example, cognitive tests used to measure cognitive abilities vary greatly in the body of available literature.

Another possible effect cell phones have on human health is that of brain cancer. Like other areas of concern, there is no conclusive evidence in regard to the association between cell phones and brain tumors, but there is enough evidence to raise concern. One possible reason for the inconclusive data is the lack of studies focusing on individuals using cell phones for an extended number of years (Cell Phone Use- Is it Safe? An Interview with Devra Lee Davis, PhD, MPH., 2011). According to Davis, there is a 40-year latency period for brain cancer. This means if a person begins using a cell phone at age 20 and is observed five years later, that person may not exhibit an increased risk for brain cancer, but if that same person is observed forty years after exposure to cell phone radiation occurs (age 60), that risk might increase. Davis points out that most studies focus only on those using cell phones for approximately five years.

The World Health Organization has found cell phone radiation to cause factors associated with the risk of cancer. Some of these factors include; DNA damage, an increase in reactive oxygen species, weaken the blood-brain barrier and increase micronuclei (Cell Phone Use- Is it Safe? An Interview with Devra Lee Davis, PhD, MPH., 2011). However, these studies are limited to in vitro systems as opposed to live subjects. Yet, other studies indicate an association between increased use of cell phones over time and risks for developing brain cancer. Davis (2011) states that the risk doubles after using a cell phone for only ten years. A major contributor to this body of knowledge is the INTERPHONE study. The INTERPHONE study is an international effort to assess the association between cell phone usage and brain cancer.

The INTERPHONE study itself was inconclusive. Although an increased risk of cancer, specifically glioma, was reported among users categorized as heavy cell phone users, most analysis of the data suggested no increase of cacogenic risk associated with cell phone use (Betts, 2010). The reason for inconclusive data is possibly due to methods and sampling. The method used to collect data for this study, and other studies, was self-reporting. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the actual amount of time a subject was exposed to radiation. In addition, the study had difficulty obtaining information from a large number of control cases. Another limitation is changes in the overall usage of the cell phone from the time the study began until the time it was published. Those falling into "heavy user" categories might now fall into "light user" categories as the reliance on cell phones has greatly increased (Betts, 2010).