How Cell Phones Affect Your Brain

Researchers measured the brain activity of 47 participants who had cell phones strapped to their heads. Minutes after receiving a 50-minute call, a PET scan revealed that brain regions next to the phone had higher levels of glucose metabolism. Since active brain cells require glucose, the increase suggests that cell phone radiation boosts brain activity. Researchers concluded that the human brain is sensitive to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones.

The particular brain regions affected cell phone radiation could change based on a phone’s design and how it's held. In addition, brain metabolism may also rise when people talk as opposed to just listening, since cell phones emit more radiation when a person is talking. Radiation levels also vary by phone type, the distance to the nearest cell phone tower, and the number of people using phones in the same area. These variables have kept scientists from getting reliable epidemiological evidence about potential health risks of cell phone usage.

The findings are as yet inconclusive regarding the dangers of cell phone radiation. The brain's heightened activity may or may not have any ill effects. More study is needed, especially on how years of heavy cell phone use can affect children and teens.

To play it safe, researchers suggest limiting cell phone use, using the speakerphone option, or talking with a hands-free device that’s connected to the phone with a wire.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.