Dear Greetings from The Netherlands,

As cellular phone usage becomes more and more commonplace around the world, so have concerns about their effects on health. Cell phones are powered by electricity, and, as a result, they give off electric and magnetic fields (EMF), also known as electromagnetic radiation. Cellular phone EMF is a non-ionizing form of radiation, which means that it does not have enough energy to break apart atoms and molecules and turn them into ions, which are electrically charged particles. Cell phones emit this type of radiation in low doses and at low levels. FYI, microwave ovens, electric clocks, computers, and many other appliances also put off this same kind of radiation — the amount of one's exposure is dependent on the amount of time these devices are used, as well as one's distance from them. X-rays and gamma rays, on the other hand, are forms of ionizing radiation that, particularly at high doses, can increase one's risk of cancer, birth defects, and genetic defects through chromosomal (DNA) mutations resulting from atom and molecule ionization.

According to studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (December 20, 2000), the New England Journal of Medicine (January 11, 2001), and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (February 7, 2001), there is not a smidgen of evidence that use of cell phones is related to the development of either brain cancer or benign (non-cancerous) tumors. A summary of the findings is as follows:

• Cell phone users do not have a higher risk of getting brain cancer or non-malignant tumors than non-cell phone users;

• People who use cellular phones frequently are not more likely to get brain cancer or benign tumors than those who use cellular phones rarely; and,

• Brain cancer or non-cancerous tumors did not develop more often on the side of the head on which a cell phone was usually used than on the side that was cell phone-free.

So, if you have minutes available on your calling plan, you can ring your friends and family with the news. Considering the relative newness of cellular phones, though, the potential for negative effects from chronic use of cell phones over the long-term have yet to be determined. Results from a more comprehensive and longer-term international study are expected to be released in 2004. In the meantime, if possible risk from mobile phone use is still a concern to you, limiting the time you spend on your cell, opting for a plugged-in phone whenever possible, turning off your handheld whenever it's not in use, and using an ear piece/headset or speakerphone instead will help limit your EMF exposure.

For more information, look at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health: "Consumer Update on Wireless Phones" Web page.

Alice

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