Wireless communication is experiencing a dynamic development globally and cell phones are becoming an important device in the global modern society. Cell phones emit radio frequency waves, a form of non-ionizing radiation, which can be absorbed by the tissues closest to the spot where the phone is held. This article presents various factors based on which radiation emitted from cell phones affects the human brain and presents various safety measures to prevent it.
Introduction
New technologies are developing day by day to facilitate human life. From starting to at present time in whole world Mobile communication is currently the fastest growing communication system in the telecommunication industry. Due to the increasing number of users using mobile phones, the concern has now shifted towards the electromagnetic radiations emitted from mobile phones. The Electromagnetic types of radiation can be classified into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is high energy radiation capable of destroying the tight bonds between electrons and atoms, resulting in tissue damage while non-ionizing radiation is radiation that has enough energy to make atoms and molecules vibrate but Electrons in molecules do not dislike. This radiation mainly occurs in the low frequency range. Mobile phones are designed with low power transceivers to transmit voice and data to a base station located a few kilometers away. Problems like headache, severe ear pain, blurred vision, loss of memory, itching, burning sensation, sleepiness, hypersensitivity, fatigue have been observed due to these radiations while using mobile phones. Researchers have found that these symptoms are more common in people who are exposed to more mobile phone radiation.
Overview
Various factors on which radiation emitted from cell phones affect the human brain
Distance of cell phone from human body: If a cell phone moves even an inch away from the body, it can greatly reduce radiation exposure. Signal strength decreases as the square of distance from the source. This means that if we double the distance from the source, which is like the cell phone over our head, the signal strength will be four times less, because the square of two is four. If we increase the distance between the cell phone and our head by 10 times, the signal strength will be reduced by 100 times, and similarly at 100 times the distance, the signal strength is reduced by 10,000 times.
Distance from cell phone tower: Different cell sites emit different amounts of radiation. With the help of a suitable meter we can measure how much radiation is received at a particular place. Around a single tower, the radiation may not be uniform. The energy from the cellular phone tower antenna is primarily directed toward the horizon, parallel to the ground. Some of the energy scatters downward, allowing coverage to reach users near the ground. This design makes signal strength optimal for the users at a lower altitude while minimizing upward radiation into the sky. Cell phones communicate with nearby cell towers primarily through radiofrequency (RF) waves, a form of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum between FM radio waves and microwaves.
Non-ionizing radiation is that type of radiation, which like FM radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and heat does not cause cancer. The RF waves have no capability to directly break any DNA for cancer cause. For every cell phone call, the phone’s antenna sends out a signal to the nearest base station antenna. In response, the base station checks whether some open radiofrequency channel is available for use and then proceeds to respond back to the phone. Then, the RF wave transfers voice data to the base station, which forwards the voice signal to a switching center. It then directs the call to its destination, where the caller and the receiver connect. This is in seconds, hence why it’s possible real-time communication. Voice signals are relayed back and forth during a call, therefore affecting the human brain.
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate): SAR A measure of the rate by which a body absorbs energy when exposed to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. It refers to the absorption of electromagnetic (EM) wave energy by tissues. The absorbed energy is measured in terms of power absorbed per unit mass of tissue, expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). Thus it quantifies the amount of energy drawn from EM waves by biological tissues during exposure. The absorption rate is observed either for the entire body or for a small sample volume of tissues. As per ICNIRP guidelines. To limit exposure time to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, the maximum SAR value for mobile phones is set at 2 watts/min localized to the head and trunk Non-ionizing radiation is experienced by a human who is exposed to a frequency range between 10 MHz and 10 GHz. This phenomenon is widely used in communication technologies such as radios and microwaves. Such frequencies cause effects in biological tissues through a heating effect. These guidelines have been developed in collaboration with the Environmental Health Division of the World Health Organization (WHO). In India, the FCC limit for public exposure is 1.6 W/kg for 1 gram average SAR.
Length of conversation: This also has a big impact on the human brain, it is proven that if a person talked on a cellphone for more than 50 minutes, the brain metabolism in the area closest to the cellphone antenna increased while they were on the phone. There is an increase of 7 percent, as a result the body temperature increases.
Age of the person: Compared to adults, children have a bigger impact on their brain when talking on cellphones because children are growing more rapidly, they have more cell division capacity, so that radiation is not more disrupted. Of cells. Additionally, children have thinner skulls than adults, so they have a larger impact. It is also proven that fetuses are more sensitive to radiation than others.
Mobile phone technology operates on different standards like GSM and CDMA: Evidence, which has been generated in various researches, indicates that radiation from mobile phones affects brain activity. The type of technology operated by the phone affects how its radiation impacts human brains, with GSM phones found to be more impactful than CDMA phones, due to the reasons mentioned above of differences in signal transmission and radiation levels.
Power levels of different cell phone technologies.
- GSM 1-2 Watt Burst
- CDMA 6-7 mWatt Continuous
Methodology
An electroencephalogram is a medical test to show and record electrical activity in the brain. The abnormal patterns of brain wave would be discovered, which, in turn, is helpful in the examination of disorders like seizures or any other neurologic diseases. Electrodes attached to the scalp through a small metal disc enable the picking up electrical signals from the brain and transferring these signals to a computer that records the activity of the brain. The normal state is identified because brain waves have a specific pattern; but when abnormalities occur, this could be the sign of a pathology. For this reason, doctors depend on EEGs in establishing patterns of abnormal brain waves and subsequently identifying causes of disorders from as common as epilepsy up to some form of trauma to the brain or even a sleeping disorder. Although this procedure is non-invasive, it is undoubtedly offering crucial information in determining the electrical activity of the brain and correctly deciding on possible diagnoses and treatment plans.
An electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electroencephalogram or EEG is a type of test that measures all total electrical activity in the brain. It is very useful for many different medical conditions. Here is further elaboration of each of the points you mentioned.
A. Diagnosis of epilepsy and determination of the type of seizures
An EEG is a commonly used diagnostic tool that helps doctors diagnose epilepsy by recording abnormal wave patterns in the brain, which are characteristic features of this condition. It can also help doctors to distinguish between the type of seizure a patient has, and thus doctors can identify the best course of treatment. They can diagnose whether someone has epilepsy or not and monitor what the brain is doing by keeping a record of the changes it’s undergoing based on the kinds of seizures such individuals are facing.
B. Problems of unconsciousness
Unconsciousness or syncope that is unexplained can be fairly well tested through the EEG. It monitors brain activity and determines whether or not the episodes are caused by neurological problems like seizures or other problems that affect the brains. It therefore helps in determining whether the episode was related to any other kind of condition that influences consciousness, such as low blood pressure that causes the person to faint.
C. Assessing the likelihood of recovery of a patient whose level of consciousness has shifted
The EEG can predict the chances of recovery if applied to someone who has had a serious injury to the brain or any major health event that alters their consciousness. Through analyzing specific brain wave patterns, the test reveals whether the brain acts normally or is significantly damaged. Information helps doctors make good decisions regarding the treatment the patient will receive and most likely outcome for his recovery.
D. Brain death diagnosis in coma patients
An EEG may also be used if a person has experienced brain activity for so long that he or she has become comatose; the EEG test may help detect brain activity during such coma. If the EEG does not show electrical activity in the brain, it may indicate that death by brain is happening to him or her. It is an important tool in the evaluation of doctors in finding out a prognosis for someone in coma when life support has to be continued.
E. Monitoring sleep disorders like narcolepsy
The EEG is utilized to monitor sleep disorders like narcolepsy, which causes sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep. Monitoring the pattern in which the EEG will indicate the pattern of activity in the brain while sleeping can enable the doctors to notice the abnormal patterns suggesting narcolepsy or any other type of related sleep problem, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. This encourages better diagnosis and management.
F. Monitoring for general brain activity under anesthetics
When some surgical operations are being performed, mainly the surgeries on the brain, an EEG is utilized to monitor the activities in the brain during general anesthesia. This helps anesthesiologists adjust their administration of the anesthetic, ensuring that the patient remains unconscious and pain-free while ensuring that the brain functions at the appropriate level. It offers real-time feedback in order to avoid complications in delicate surgical procedures.
G. Determining the cause of somatic versus psychic distress
An EEG could distinguish between the symptoms resulting from physical anomalies in the brain, for instance, tumors or injuries, from those symptoms resulting from mental disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. It is helpful in overlapping symptom cases where a cause cannot be associated with the symptoms. The EEG aids in the identification of the source of the condition and directs the appropriate treatment based on the activities traced in the brain.
Brain patterns which are primarily obtained from EEG data can be found to be sinusoidal in wave shape and they are divided into five basic categories: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma waves, each describing a different activity of the brain. Delta waves are associated with deep sleep, the theta waves with light sleep or at least relaxation, the alpha waves with wakeful rest or a rested state, the beta waves with active thinking or problem-solving, and gamma waves with high-level cognitive function and sensory processing.
A. Beta (>13Hz)
B. Alpha (8-13Hz)
C. Theta (4-8Hz)
D. Delta (0.5-4Hz)
E. Gamma (30-100Hz)
A. Delta Waves (0.5-4Hz)
Delta waves have a low frequency between 0.5 and 4 Hz. These waves are the largest in amplitude of the four brain wave patterns. They are the slowest of the four brain wave patterns. Generally, delta waves appear during deep sleep in adults and peak amplitude appears in the front part of the brain. In infants, delta waves are more prominent posteriorly. This type of sleep cycle, rich in delta waves, may represent restorative and deep relaxation activities. Appearance in wakeful adults at greater levels than usual may represent a dysfunction or pathology in cortical activity.
B. Theta Waves (4-8Hz)
These waves have a frequency range of 4 to 8 Hz. The classic pattern of development for the young is these waves. They are typically found in instances of somnolence, deep relaxation, or in the early stages of sleep. Theta waves are mainly recorded in the older children and adults during meditation or deep relaxation. The above-the-average level of theta waves may suggest abnormal brain activity or developmental disorders. This wave is primarily associated with memory and creative functioning.
C. Alpha Waves
Range = 8-13 Hz
Alpha waves are generally recorded in the posterior regions of the brain, at the frequency between 8 and 13 Hz. They are most noticeable during wakefulness, at a time of relaxed condition, and often with the eyes shut. This activity is more or less high in the dominant hemisphere of the brain; in most cases, the left hemisphere for the right-handed. This kind of wave generates a condition described as quiet, relaxed, stress-free, and with no forms of anxiety. All these conditions bring about mental coordination and cognitive functioning.
D. Beta Waves (12-30Hz)
The frequency range for beta waves is typically between 12 and 30 Hz and is generally dominantly found in both hemispheres of the brain, especially in the frontal regions. These waves show associations with active thinking, problem-solving, and concentration. It is generally seen when a person is alert, engaged in cognitive tasks, or experiencing anxiety or stress. This is the most prominent brain wave when an individual is concentrating on work, just processing information, or doing other complex mental work. High beta activity might be linked to stress and hyperactivity.
E. Gamma Waves (30-100Hz)
Gamma waves are the fastest among all the brain wave patterns. The frequency range is from 30 to 100 Hz. Such waves are associated with high-level cognitive functions, including processing sensory information, memory, and integration of complex information from different senses. Gamma rhythms, for example, are particularly important to cognitive processing in the process of identifying an object, its sound, or any other tactile sensation. They perform cognitive processing and function if one is in an awakened state and paying attention. The highest level of gamma wave activity is found in those performing intricate cognitive tasks or at peak mental states.
Analysis
After attaining the EEG signals, several DSP techniques are applied towards analyzing and interpreting the data obtained. These involve digital filter processing, whereby unwanted noise is filtered out and the quality of the signal enhanced; Fast Fourier Transform FFT, which transforms the EEG signal from time domain into frequency domain to identify different frequency components; autocorrelation that gauges the correlation of a signal with itself over time; and cross-correlation that establishes the similarity between two sets of signals of various conditions or subjects. These methods aid in the deciphering of hidden patterns and characteristics of EEG signals. This will elucidate how something is occurring within the brain and how it reacts to it.
Future Work
The future work will be based on this current study, especially on the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health through various mobile phone technologies in the country. As it will base itself on GSM 2G and 3G technologies, it will use EEG and Matlab to carry out the study of the response of the brain to different conditions such as no phone use, GSM 2G, and GSM 3G. It deals with the following sources of variability: modulation types, emitted power levels, and operating frequencies. Under all these conditions, it aims to compare the corresponding brain signals and determine which mobile communication technology has the least impact on human health. The results obtained will be basic for designing communication devices that minimize health risks and therefore contribute to safer technology development.
Safety Measures
1. Legislation concerning public health risks through exposure to radio frequency radiation should be enacted in every country. Such legislation would need to account for thorough assessments of impacts on health by way of radio frequency emissions and provide for public awareness and protection against such adverse impacts.
2. Devices Emitted Radiation. Devices emitting radiation should undergo strict testing on health matters before they are licensed for use. This testing should establish whether the device would pose any health hazards and if it is safe for the health of users based on the existing scientific knowledge.
3. Emission devices should be strictly prohibited from causing long exposure since they continually emit radiation. Continuous emissions lead to long exposure, thus resulting in higher possible health risks. This means that such emission devices should be regulated or completely banned.
4. All cell phones and cordless phones shall have warnings that are clear and explicit on the dangers of potential radio frequency radiation. That information should be supplemented on such labels to give guidelines on safe usage practices and potential adverse health effects associated with long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation.
5. When using a cell phone, it is advisable to turn to the speaker mode and to carry the phone at least the distance of one hand’s length from your body or use a wired headset. Exposure to microwave radiation also can be reduced by using a Bluetooth emitter; it is however used properly and in moderation.
6. Whenever you are not using your cell phone, turn it off. This does decrease the radio frequency radiation emission and also saves the battery.
7. Try to use your cell phone when you have a good signal, as a weak signal makes the phone work “harder” and then emit more radio frequency and other types of radiation. Working on maintaining an optimal connection can minimize exposure.
8. Avoid talking with the cell phones in confined areas like elevators, cars and airplanes. In these confined metal boxes, the phones may generate higher intensity of radiation possibly posing larger health hazard.
9. Email as much as you can and avoid talking on the phone as much as you can. E-mailing keeps the phone farther away from the body and hence the contact with its radiations-due radiation is minimized. This means that it would reduce the health hazards associated with it.
10. To minimize exposure while at home use a wired land line instead of cordless telephones. Cordless and wireless telephones emit less radiation than corded phones and might be safer for daily use.
Read Also:
- Introduction To Mobile Phones
- Concept and History of Mobile Phones
- Adverse Effects and Probable Solutions of Mobile Phones
- 20 Mobile Phone Uses and Features
- 37 Positive and Negative Sides of Mobile Phones
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