Mobile phones have come to represent a crucial accompaniment to all kinds of modern modes of communication and constitute one of the fastest-growing industries ever. In contrast, they release non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The emissions from mobile phones have been reported to cause absorption by body tissues which lie in proximity to the mobile phone. Available studies around the world have indicated that this type of radiation interferes with the functioning of the organs of the human body through both thermal and non-thermal mechanisms. Even if a tiny proportion of these users suffer from health problems related to mobile radiation, the sheer scale of users makes it a very serious public health concern in the long term.
Ayurveda, one of the oldest known traditional medical systems of the world, provides a perspective on dealing with some of the adverse implications of mobile phone usage. The ideas of “Asatmendriyartha Samyoga” (misuse of the senses) and “Prajnaparada” (mistakes of intellect) can be used to relate to the addictive propensities of mobile phones. The other therapies developed by Ayurveda, such as “Rasayana” (rejuvenation), are found to counter the harmful impacts of radiation exposure and, thus, promote good health overall. Integration of Ayurvedic therapies in life can help lessening the body’s impact from mobile radiation and providing a natural approach to maintaining long-term health.
Introduction
Mobile phones have changed our lives dramatically over the last 15 years. They have intervened in the way we communicate with each other, as well as in all information sources and even how we keep in touch with the rest of the world. Indeed, now that there are more than 4.8 billion mobile phone users worldwide, a small increase in health effects of mobile phone use may have serious public health implications. Despite the research conducted all these years about the effects of mobile phone radiations to human health, we still ignore them. The time has come to wake up and be aware about our usage habits at least not to overdo it for a better future.
Mobile phones represent a marriage between two of the greatest inventions: the telephone, invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, and the radio, invented by Nikola Tesla in 1895. Without doubt, the development of mobile phones is one of the fastest developments in the history of science and technology. The small machine has an infinity of different functions, communication being the most important. Mobile phones have, therefore, become the hub of modern living life.
Cell” in cell phone is the term used to describe how towns are made into “cells” to provide more available frequencies. This technology was first developed by Motorola, the inventor of the mobile telephone. Actually, the term “mobile” comes from the Latin word mobilis, meaning “to be free to move.
Mobile phones and the towers to which they are connected emit electromagnetic fields that have non-ionizing radiation. This sort of radiation has well and truly become part of our surroundings, and growing concern is being voiced about how it affects our health. While the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation are still under investigation, measures to reduce this would at least reduce the potential risks. It is vital to learn about these dangers and take action for the benefit of our own well-being and future generations.
Discussion
Electromagnetic field radiation refers to the transfer of energy in space as photons. Each photon has a particular energy amount; therefore, this determines the type of radiation. EMF radiation is always part and parcel of daily life. X-rays are used for health imaging and security scanners, as well as microwaves, which microwave ovens and radar systems cannot be done without. Radio waves enable radio and television broadcasting, while infrared waves permit you to employ night vision goggles and remote controls for your television.
The most common sources of exposure
Sources of EMFs that you are exposed to every day include all those FM/AM radio devices, TV transmissions, cellular networks, like GSM and CDMA, wireless local area networks, or WLAN devices, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Their impact tends to be localized around the transmission towers, which is in contrast to that of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi at much lower power densities, thus reducing their impact. They have been very much embedded in modern means of communication and entertainment, which accounts for the prevalence of these technologies around the world. Although this radiation is ubiquitous, most of the exposures that humans make on a daily basis are at relatively low levels that have been considered safe to humans but studies on long-term exposure continue.
Types of EMF
In general, electromagnetic field radiation can be broadly defined into two key groups: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing is such that the energy released in the electromagnetic field is capable of ionizing atoms or molecules through the dissociation of an electron from the atom, which creates charged particles called ions. Some of the examples are ultraviolet rays, X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. These types of radiations have more frequencies and energy that is proven to cause damaging effects on human health by damaging living tissues. Non-ionizing radiation, however, does not have much energy to remove electrons from atoms. It includes low frequency radiations like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, etc. Although it is considered to be less damaging, health effects continue to be researched and discussed as long as people depend on devices like cellular phones.
Effects of Electromagnetic field exposure on human health
Exposure to electromagnetic fields and how they affect human health have become one of the hottest topics of late with the growing need for mobile phones. Some argue that the intensity of radiation from mobile devices is so low that one cannot bother about the harm it may cause. However, how serious the result of long-term exposure could be is still a question being raised. In terms of quantification, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the measure adopted by scientists to determine how much energy is being absorbed by the human body from an electromagnetic field. Radiation from mobile phones can affect the body in at least two ways: thermal and non-thermal effects. While non-thermal effects are alterations brought about in the biological system without heating, thermal effects imply an elevated temperature of the body resulting from absorbed radiation.
Thermal Effects
Thermal Effects Most thermal effects of EMF radiation take place by heat absorption in body tissues due to irradiation that causes a rise in the temperature. For instance, while discussing with your cell phone, your head will slightly raise in temperature as most of the absorbed heat is attracted to it. The exposure for that long period can elevate the core body temperature. There are some studies, such as P. Wainwright et al., that have modeled a study for brain temperature increment due to infrared radiation emitted from a mobile phone. Their findings indicated that the increase in temperature in the brain was close to 0.1°C. Although this is very small, it indicates that even subtle increases in temperature may have serious implications for long-term health, particularly if it is due to continuous exposure to EMF radiation.
Non-Thermal Effects
It is well established that the electromagnetic influence on biological cells is associated with non-thermal effects, which can be deleterious. In the last 30 years, the scientific literature has presented evidence of living organisms’ response to microwave radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Laboratory studies suggest that exposure to microwaves may enhance the activity in the rat brain and impair the learning abilities and memory in mice by inducing oxidative stress. Other effects include heightened red blood cell membrane permeability, blood-brain barrier damage, changes in calcium ion flow, and suppressed lymphocyte function. These can also cause chromosome damage, increased numbers of micronuclei in human blood cells, and even synergize with cancer-promoting drugs. Reproductive system impairments have also been observed.
Tests on animals in a living system have ensured damage to various organs like the nervous system and reproductive system. It indicates hazardous effects of long exposure to non-thermal electromagnetic radiation on biological systems.
There have been a number of studies researching the effects of mobile phone radiation upon biological systems with especial focus on the impact on the brain, liver, pancreas, sperm quality, and ovarian follicles. Those studies have provided extensive evidence for considerable damage caused by electromagnetic radiation to animals.
1. Brain Effects
In one experiment, animals irradiated with microwave energy levels matching those emitted by mobile phones and cell towers showed dramatic decreases in the mass of grain and the size and number of dendritic spines in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. Such changes in these cells, which are important for motor coordination, could suggest motor dysfunction.
One of the research articles dealt with the behavioral and physiological effects of mobile radiation on the brain. The brains of the exposed animals underwent neurodegeneration that was marked mainly in the hippocampus as an important site of memory and learning. The changes there were marked by dramatic neuronal damage where the neurons appeared to be scattered, asymmetric and had distorted morphologies. These changes likely suggest that mobile radiation could cause severe cognitive and functional disabilities.
2. Effects on Liver and Pancreas
A study on the effects of mobile radiation on liver and pancreas showed that mobile radiation at a daily dose of 30 minutes led to the inflammation of the liver in 18.75% of the animals studied. Increased dose exposed to 60 minutes a day revealed 43.75% of the animals as having inflamed livers, with 31.25% of the animals suffering from pancreas inflammation. This is dose-dependent, where longer hours of radiation led to increased damage of these organs.
3. Sperm Quality
Another study analyzed the impact of mobile radiation on the testis and the sperm. It was observed that exposure to mobile radiation lowered percent motile sperm by 83%. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, or oxidative degradation of lipids, along with the lowered level of glutathione, an essential antioxidant. Low glutathione means that there is an increased oxidative stress in the testis and epididymis, which may have contributed to the degradation of the semen quality. It would therefore imply that exposure to mobile radiation for a period can have adverse effects on male fertility.
4. Ovarian Follicles
An experiment on the impact of electromagnetic fields on ovarian follicles indicated an incredible decrease in the ovarian follicles of rats exposed for 15 minutes a day over a period of 15 days. This therefore implies that radiation can also play a further interference role in female fertility by reducing the remaining available eggs for reproduction.
Effect of Wi-Fi Network
Scientific studies have highlighted the adverse effects of radiation released through Wi-Fi and mobile services on human health and the environment.
Wi-Fi systems, more specifically those operating at 2.45 GHz, have been subjected to significant criticism in connection with their alleged negative impact on health. Various studies have suggested that radiofrequency electromagnetic field emitted by Wi-Fi devices may be associated with elevated oxidative stress. This is accomplished when free radicals are found in excess and could cause damage on cellular constituents: proteins, lipids, and DNA. Such oxidative damage has been attributed to several health disorders wherein normal cellular functions may be disrupted. For example, it has been reported to lead to low sperm counts, motility, and impaired DNA integrity.
Effect of mobile radiation over environment
Cellular damage due to mobile phone radiation resembles the potential hazardous effects of its environmental exposure. Researches on plant growth exposed to mobile phone radiation indicated an alarming increase in germination rates, seedling length, and both protein and lipid content as compared with seeds from the control. This, therefore, means that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones may interfere with plant growth and biochemical processes in them. Indeed, mobile radiation has affected the wildlife. The study near the cell towers showed that avian nests were absent near them and the first nests were seen at distances of at least 80 meters from the towers. Further, there was an investigation on the embryonic effects of mobile phone radiation on birds. It suggested that there was a significant number of developmental abnormalities in the exposed groups compared to the controls.
Such outcomes therefore necessitate further exploration into the broader effects of electromagnetic radiation on living organisms and ecosystems.
Role of Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, it is believed that three elements give rise to disease: Prajnaparada, Asatmendriyartha Samyoga, and Parinama.
1. Prajnaparada, or “Intellectual Blasphemy
It is doing something intentionally against one’s better judgment, ignoring one’s higher knowledge, or being ignorant of common sense. This involves knowingly committing, verbal, mental, or physical action. It is a combination of “Prajna” means understanding or sagacity and “Aparadha” means offense or misuse and represents a failure in judgment or insight. Prajnaparada can disturb the balance of body and mind, aggravating the Sharirika and Manasika doshas resulting in several disorders. For instance, though everyone is aware of how excessive mobile phone use could result in adverse effects, people continue to do that, committing Prajnaparada.
Basically, Prajnaparada is not being in harmony with one’s gut feeling and the wisdom that would assist in choosing with positive outcomes. The negative impact is health-based and has to do with one’s overall well-being.
2. Asatmendriyartha Samyoga and Health Implications of Mobile Phones
Asatmendriyartha Samyoga is the Ayurvedic term that concerns itself with the imbalance brought about by the inappropriate contact of the sense organs and their objects. This principle here declares that when the sense organs are not inappropriately contacting their objects, it induces an Asatmya or unwholesomeness. In three ways, this can be prevailing : first, Heena Yoga or insufficient contact, then Mithya Yoga or incorrect contact, and Atiyoga or excessive contact.
Regarding the current situation with advanced technology, in particular, mobile phones, these ideas will help deepen understanding about the probable health effects of overuse. Mobile phones, mainly impact two of the sense organs: Chakshurindriya-the eyes and Srotrendriya-the ears.
3. Chakshurindriya and Mobile Phone Usage
High involvement of Chakshurindriya or the visual sense organ takes place when mobile phones are used. The term Atiyoga by Acharya Charaka means excessive usage of Chakshurindriya if one gazes at bright or luminous screens too much. Such high visual involvement can cause such problems in someone’s eyes ranging from a little irritation and unease in the eyes to seriously affecting vision. Prolonged viewing on to the screen, especially at late hours of the day, may interfere with sleep patterns and even lead to Nidrapata or loss of sleep (Nidranasha).
Studies have pointed out that using cell phones before sleep is somehow related to the increased cases of sleep disorders and insomnia. Many students who usually access their phones with the aid of texting or browsing shortly before sleeping often experience difficulties falling asleep and a change in chronotype.
4. Srotrendriya and Mobile Phone Usage
Another is the Srotrendriya or sense organ of hearing. Atiyoga is also used here which refers to excessive exposure to loud noises. Mobile phones can cause auditory strain especially when they have loud notification systems or are used in noisy environs where conversations take place. Exposure to loud volumes that can be through the phone, media programs, and others can worsen ear problems leading to hearing disorders.
5. Mind or Manas and Usage of Mobile Phones
According to Sushruta, the Manas is an organ that is at one and the same time both sensory and motor. Excessive exposure to mobile phones leads to Atiyoga of Manas when an overindulgence leads to mental and emotional stress. The constant stimulation coming from mobile devices causes vitiation of Vata Dosha, which forms a significant part of Ayurvedic physiology-the control over the operations of mental acts. This vitiation can appear in the form of anxiety, tension, lack of sleep, and depression and has become one of the major issues today in this so-called digital age.
6. The emotional responses and Dharaneeya Vegas
Ayurvedic literature also has referred to Dharaneeya Vegas, the emotional state such as attachment (Lobha) in greed, hatred (Krodha) in anger, envy or jealousy (Irshya) and sorrow (Shoka), and fear of loss or danger (Bhaya). All these are emotional responses to our Iccha and Dvesha, attachments and aversions. These cause emotional states which have been associated with psychosomatic problems, over-attachment, over-aversions, and causes mental health disorders. Its constant connectivity creates an aspect of staying updated which consequently gets a bigger impact on attachment and aversions psychologically.
Ayurvedic Solutions towards Overuse of Mobile Phones
The Ayurveda approach does have a number of ways to alleviate the detriments brought about by the over-usage of mobile phones. One such branch under Ayurveda is Rasayana Therapy, which is involved in rejuvenation and boosting the immune system. The rasayanas include Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, and Amalaki, all of which support health in general and may counteract the dire effects of a digital strain.
Drugs like Brahmi and Shankhapushpi, medhya, have tremendous cognitive as well as mental health benefits. They can be utilized to overcome the problem that arises with excessive screen time by raising mental resistance.
Right living practices, known as Sadvritta, also form an important part of Ayurveda, including correct use of technology. Practical measures include limiting the screen time, speaker modes and wired headsets usage, keeping smartphones distant from the head and body, especially at night when sleeping.
Conclusion
As a result, the intensive usage of mobile phones has made them almost an integral part of daily activities, but it harbours significant health risks. Because of the increased excessive use of technology, rising exposure to electromagnetic fields builds a strong rationale for the identification and mitigation of the health risks related to an overdose of using mobile phones. By adopting Ayurvedic principles and practices, such as limiting screen time and using medicinal herbs, people will be mitigating the adverse consequences of it and hence leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Overall, such natural remedies and ways of lifestyle adjustment will lead to well-being and a more mindful use of technology.
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