Considering that the average Indian spends (December 06 data) “more time talking on his mobile than his counterparts anywhere else except the US

Thatz really scary..Grr..I have spent lot of my time on this thing…

Try using hands free and bluetooth options..I guess that helps to some extent..

Shefaly, I haven’t done enough research on this cell-phone issue (though I have heard some anecdotal stories or two from mostly reliable sources in the US), and my perception is that in general and for the most part (with a few exceptions), EU has stricter standards, and it is much easier to muddy the scientific debate in the US.

That in this case, studies are inconclusive – some suggest increased risk and some do not – and most of them have emerged from the same institution should say something about the fairness of the process. Leading mobile telecom firms are European where there is much more transparency and oversight. The public is also very much for the ‘precautionary principle’ (see earlier comment on risk propensity and risk mitigation) so there is plenty of consumer interest. Much funding for public interest studies actually comes from the EC* – ergo European taxpayers’ cash – and not from these mobile firms. I work on many such multi-country projects and I can assure you that the sponsors, if corporate at all, don’t get a look in. That is why it is so hard to get them to sponsor such studies. It is one of the rare places where the EC is useful.

Truth be told, most people really do not have the wherewithal to assess and evaluate a scientific paper. Which is why headlines have to be parsed for the public (that was why I used to write my Obesity blog which was about comparing the headline with the research paper’s contents; they were in and out of sync pretty much half and half). And with partial information reported, only partly correct conclusions can be drawn.

Frankly I would rather have a scientific temper where I am able to question things than take any research as given. That is why the word ‘inconclusive’ is important.

*EC – European Commission

The point is that anyone who still thinks that scientific studies are not influenced by corporations and special interests which have the power to decide which studies and results get to the public, or give us the complete picture, needs some reality check. This does not mean that *all* scientific studies are incorrect/false and everything scientific needs to be mistrusted, but simply that it’s good to maintain a healthy skepticism even when it comes to what a “scientific study” says, instead of blindly believing it. Science shouldn’t become the new religion.

Amit, maybe you didn’t intend to, but you have certainly bolstered my argument. I am quite convinced that the telcom industry is suppressing the truth of the present surveys. It is very easy to demolish a survey or a study! The telecom industry today is extremely powerful, far more than the tobacco industry and the industry is critical to all infrastructure too. I think that those who believe the telecom industry is an innocent bystander in this issue are being very gullible. – Nita.

Have you seen people in India listen to commentary on their radiosets? They hold it close to their ears.

Secondly, using a bluetooth makes the blue-tooth close to your ears, so the effects are the same.

Third, as someone mentioned above, light is more dangerous than radio waves, as it has a higher frequency, and hence, higher penetration power!

So, the only factor that can cause harm is the amplitude (i.e. the strength of the signal). Research done shows that the strength of the cellphone signal is lower than the strength of light emanating from a 25W light bulb! If placing a light bulb right next to our head is not dangerous, using a cell phone is not dangerous either.

Mayuresh, well, if you agree that the strength of the signal is the problem, then you will agree that cell phone towers are dangerous. In India they are in residential areas, that too densely packed urban areas. I am glad that you at least concede that. In developed countries it is not allowed to have a tower within 50 metres of a residential area. As far as I am concerned, I would prefer a safer distance. And as for radiation from cell phones, remember the danger they say is only from prolonged and heavy use. Now what effect a relatively weak radio signal has if the quantity of exposure is high, is soemthing I feel we will know soon. I prefer to play it safe. I prefer to limit cell phone use. – Nita.

//I am wondering if I should carry the cellphone in my pant pocket anymore!//

Depends on your priorities in the matter of physiology and anatomical functions.