The controversy over the effects of cellphone radiation is growing louder, with conflicting claims and interpretations of studies. One of the more alarming studies shows that memory can be harmed by cellphone radiation.
A Swiss study of 700 teenagers showed that frequent usage of cellphone damaged the ability of the brain to remember abstract forms. The research was conducted during a 12 month period and showed impact on the right side of the brain, for teens who hold their phones to the right side of their heads. That area is where figural memory resides in the brain; figural memory controls the ability to remember abstract forms.
Researching the effect of exposure to electromagnetic fields has led to several inconclusive studies, but the Swiss investigation, led by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, focused on evaluating cumulative exposure from a one-year period.
Controversy over the effect of cellphone radiation has grown so intense that two U.S. government agencies contradicted each other this year over a report that indicated rats developed cancer after being exposed to high levels of cellphone radiation.
A Nov. 1 report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) at the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) was disputed by the FDA. According to The Hill, Jeffrey Shuren, Director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said “these findings should not be applied to human cell phone usage,” adding that “we believe the existing safety limits for cell phones remain acceptable for protecting the public health.”
But others disagree and point out that animal studies often translate to humans. John Bucher, PhD, NTP senior scientist, stated in the NIH press release, “We believe that the link between radio frequency radiation and tumors in male rats is real, and the external experts agreed.”