There are many devices and appliances that emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs), TVs, computers, washing machines, refrigerators and routers. Of course, let’s not forget, cell phones emit a form of electromagnetic field called radio frequency radiation.

Currently there are about 7.3 billion people on the planet and 6. 9 billion mobile phone subscriptions, so the cell phone is an important issue for that reason alone. But, there are other important reasons why the cell phone question is a concern.

Major health concern: How much do you use your cell phone?
One thing that sets the cell phone apart – from any other wireless device – is that we use it so much of the time in close proximity to our brain and other vital organs in our body. Another important factor is that more than two-thirds of adults sleep with their cell phone next to their head. (not a good idea) A staggering reality: This figure rises to 90 percent sleeping with their cell phone – in the 18 to 29 year old age bracket.

Cell phone usage is linked to both malignant and benign brain tumors
The number one fear regarding cell phone usage is brain cancer. In 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) classified cell phone radiation as a possible Group 2B carcinogen and officially recommended that consumers find ways to reduce their exposure. By definition, this means cell phone radiation is suspected of causing cancer.

The links between cell phone radiation exposures and cancer are well founded. A meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Oncology, carried out by Swedish researchers, found significant associations between long-term cell phone use and brain tumors. Cell phone use was linked to both malignant and benign brain tumors after ten years of cell phone use.

Other reported side effects of cell phone radiation include headaches, dizziness, sleep disorders, benign tumors, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Let’s take a closer look at the known mechanisms by which cell phone radiation can affect the brain.

Cell phone radiation linked to increased permeability of the brain-blood barrier
The blood-brain barrier is a membrane that acts as a filter to keep the brain safe from toxins such as heavy metals, pathogens, drugs, and other foreign substances. Numerous neurological diseases are associated with a compromised blood-brain barrier, including Alzheimer’s, meningitis and multiple sclerosis. In addition, cell phone radiation can increase the permeability of the brain-blood barrier, allowing things like mercury, aluminum, and viruses to more easily enter the brain.

Be warned: Long-term exposure can lead to a chronic increase in the level of free radicals. And, we know, free radicals are unattached oxygen molecules that attack cells in a similar way that metal rusts when it comes into contact with water and oxygen.

Because it’s a heavy oxygen user the brain is highly susceptible to free radical damage. And, common sense tells us, free radicals can be the first step to brain cell damage and premature aging.

Cell phone radiation harms neurotransmitter function
Brain cells communicate with each other via chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters perform a host of important functions such as regulating mood, sleep, motivation, ability to learn and addictions.

Long-term exposure to cell phone radiation has been found to alter the expression of 143 proteins in the brain. This can cause significant disruption in levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which in turn can cause adverse effects on mood, memory, learning, and stress.

Cell phone radiation ruptures brain cell membranes
Another way cell phone radiation can disrupt brain cell communication is by rupturing brain cell membranes. This disruption can cause them to leak calcium ions needed for communication between brain cells.

Retired lecturer Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy of Imperial College of London believes that an increase in accidents among cell phone users is primarily due to delayed reactions caused by calcium ion leakage.

Cell phone use disrupts brain glucose metabolism
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that 50 minutes spent on a cell phone disrupts brain glucose metabolism. This is important because glucose is the main source of energy of your brain.

Some experts believe that Alzheimer’s disease may occur when areas of the brain are not able to utilize glucose to feed brain cells. These parts of the brain have become insulin resistant. In fact, many health experts consider Alzheimer’s to be a form of ‘type 3 diabetes.’

Low-level EMF exposure disrupts your production of melatonin
Sleep is widely considered to be critical for good health. It’s during sleep that a whole series of cellular and hormonal processes take place which allow our bodies to rejuvenate and regenerate.

Dozens of studies show that low-level EMF exposure impedes the production of melatonin. Besides regulating our circadian rhythm melatonin is also a potent antioxidant, essential for a healthy immune system.

Cell phone radiation linked to thyroid dysfunction
The thyroid gland is situated in the neck. Using a cell phone against your ear exposes your thyroid to cell phone radiation.

A recent Israeli study observed that, “the incidence of thyroid cancer has been on the rise in Israel for more than a decade which matches the rise in the use of cellphones”. The study found, “evidence of changes in thyroid cells in response to electromagnetic radiation.”

Protect yourself from cell phone radiation
Unfortunately you just can’t rely on the manufacturers of electronic devices or the government to keep you safe from EMFs. Here are some common sense tips to lower your exposure to cell phone radiation:

• Text, don’t talk

• Use a headset or speaker when you do talk

• If you carry your cell phone close to your body put it on airplane mode

• Don’t sleep with your cell phone next to you

• Only use your cell phone when your signal is strong

Click here for more tips on how to protect yourself from harmful cell phone radiation.

Our children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cell phone radiation
In the United States, 46 percent of children between ages 8 and 12 use a cell phone. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, former director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and former senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute, has testified before Congress that EMF absorption rates are higher in a child’s brain than in an adult’s since their brain tissues are more absorbent than those of adults, their skulls are thinner, and their relative size is smaller.

A child’s brain can absorb twice the level of electromagnetic radiation as an adult brain. EMFs can penetrate almost straight through the entire brain of a 5-year-old child.

So, a good first step for reducing children’s exposure to EMFs is to make their bedrooms electronic-free zones and not children under the age of 18 to have their own mobile phone or wireless devices.

Written by Lloyd Burrell for Natural News, December 5, 2015.

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