You may have ever heard rumors that cell phone radiation causes brain cancer. In this case, sleeping next to your phone is a bad idea. Indeed, dozing off with your cell phone is definitely not the best thing to do. But not because it increases the risk of developing a terrible disease.
According to experts, there is one very good reason why you might want to put your phone away from your bed or sofa.
Cell phones do emit radio frequency (RF) waves in a certain range. The human body is designed in such a way that parts of the head or body located closer to the device can absorb emitted energy and convert it into heat. However, this radiation is not considered dangerous and does not potentially increase the risk of cancer.
Let's delve into physics. Ionizing radiation from X-rays and radon can cause DNA damage and, in turn, increase a person's chances of getting cancer. But cell phones emulate non-ionizing radiation, which does not cause DNA damage, according to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI). And, by the way, mobile phones are not the only source of radio waves in everyday life. According to the NCI, radio frequency radiation is emitted by televisions, radios, satellite dishes, microwave ovens, Wi-Fi routers and many other electrical appliances.
Of course, no one can say for sure whether sleeping with a phone under your pillow increases your risk of developing head or neck cancer. But there is strong evidence that this is not the case. Here's what the experts say: "Extensive meta-analyses have been conducted looking for any evidence that there is a link between cell phones and cancer. But none of the researchers have been able to make a conclusive claim," says Stephanie Weiss, MD, PhD, PhD. Director of Neurological Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. In his opinion, at the moment there is no reason to believe that cell phones cause cancer.
The American Cancer Institute NCI is not alone in its position. Numerous other large organizations have conducted their own studies and concluded that cell phone use, including sleeping next to a cell phone, is safe for health. Including such authoritative organizations as the US Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Federal Communications Commission and others.