[ Source: http://dazilgroup.com/blog/?p=636 ]
We often hear about handphones transmitting radiaoactive waves which may trigger the growth of cancerous cells in users. Over-usage of handphones are often deterred, since more radioaactive waves will then be sent to your brain. However, is this true or false? If true, why are people still using these harmful objects? If false, what led to the idea of radiation in phones? In this post, I will investigate on electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones and the impact of this scientific scare.

( With reference to: http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation2.htm )
From this article, we see that cell phones emit a small amount of electromagnetic radiation which may cause prolonged harms to users; the close proximity of the phones to the head elevates the chances of it being absorbed by human tissue. Radiation heats human tissue just like the way microwave ovens heat food and damage results because the body is not equipped to disspate excessive amounts of heat. It is indubitable that mobile phone radiation affects living cells. For example research shows that nematode worms exposed to mobile phone radiation produce more eggs, release stress hormones and grow larger. However, the effects of radiation on human tissue is still under investigations. Scientists often report the course of their experiments, even before the experiments were completed. Up-to-date, no concrete scientific evidence is available to show the connections between human tissue damage and cell phones. If so, why are these alarming news bombarding the mobile phone industry and news forecasts? Scientific scares, shall we call it, are one of the motives of scientists in reporting the contradicting views of mobile phone usage.

Scientific scares in this case, refer to scares or hypothesized theories which serve to induce false trauman in the public. Mobile phone radiation is one significant example. When was the last time your parents reminded you not not place your mobile phones too close to your head or heart? Or how often do they discourage you from placing your laptops on your laps when in use? Parents are aware of radiation and this information lingered from newspaper reports and forecasts, which are partly based on scientific experiments proposed by scientists to present the possible effects of radiation in cell phones on man. Media, once again, sculptures the key figure of being the root of all resources and information. The term, scientific scare, can be deemed both adverse and positive. While the public are devastated or disturbed by the troubling health risks of cell phone radiation, they spiral into a limitless network of technological, environmental, economic, communications and cultural gains. Further globalization is attained by this environmental scare too.

( With reference to : http://www.globalchange.com/radiation.htm )
An increasing number of people are using cell phones globally; one person may even be using up to 10 mobile phones each time. Mobile phone itself, is a international icon, recognised and utilised in most countries today. This is precisely why the scientists are persistent in experimenting on radiation emitted by phones and its effects on humans; the popularity of this technology makes it possible to achieve global awareness and attention. Also, this fame is proof of successful technological advancements and economic growth. Technology made the invention of cell phones possible and worldwide distribution of these technological products boosted the economic scene, creating new industries. These include international mobile phone brands such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson, mobile phone retailing companies and telephone service providers such as Singtel and Starhub. These, as we all know, have attained global acknowledgement- with credits due to the cell phones. Different companies originate from their respective countries and the advent of cell phones brought them together to be competing in similar industries. For example, nokia introduced its first phone in Finland whereas motorola launced in the U.S. Two different congolomerates got to know each other through the mobile phone industry. The timeline of the these mobile phone companies' advancements is evident of economic expansion and improvements over the centuries, be it the numerous models or newer features presented. In turn, the environment and cultural sectors evolve from these changes. Technological improvements caused man to exploit natural resources for acquisition of material wealth; but machines which maximise the utilisation of natural products increase the importance of nature. Multinations such as Greenpeace were set up to combat this problem. ( With reference to : http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/forests ) This ancient forests protection scheme united countries to resolve this global environmental issue. As for cultural globalization, it is made possible with economic, technological and environmental globalization. For example, the issue of idol fetishism was maximised with technological improvments. Currently, teengaers do not have to purchase expensive concert tickets to view their idols. The WorldWide Web has made this faceless connection possible with much lesser costs. Cultural diversity is also advocated. ( With reference to http://www.culturaldiversity.com.au/ ) Australia has established a centre for cultural diversity in ageing to provide information on culturally appropriate aged care. With ecnomic and technological improvements, such propogations can be easily created and attract much more supporters as compared to the past where followers were centralised in one country only. Hollywood stars hired to advocate certain health or environmental issues are also proof of the inter-connectino between cultural and enfvironmetnal and health globalization.

Globalization does not just involve one sector but diversifies into health, environment, technological and economical etc. The cellphone radiation scare may induce terror in many but it is this terror which results in the global improvements of many industries and companies.
Done By: Sharon

Labels: Environmental and Health Expert