Cellular phones - some posers

S R Balachandran

At present the usage of cellular phones had increased tremendously all over the world including Sri Lanka. Even small income earners, payment hawkers, students use this. I admit there are advantages in the business world in respect of fast communication. However, people should be aware of the health hazards they are facing now. In accordance with the World Heath Organization (WHO) recent reports continuous usage of cellular phones causes Brain Cancer.

In case of x-rays and violet coloured rays, electro magnetic waves play a major role.

Their strength could be measured by the method called Wave Length and if it is high it is dangerous.

The rays which enter our body could be measured by Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and if it is under 16 it is not that dangerous. However, when cellular phones are used continuously more than half an hour this safely limit of 16 would be exceeded simply. The rays which enter our brain upset multiplication of cells and make them rigid which is the cause of Brain Cancer.

It is not advisable to keep cellular phones in purse or pocket which results in impotence in the case of males.

Babies in womb are affected if the cellular phones are kept closer to the body by pregnant women. Therefore, I appeal to the health authority, medical and atomic experts to look into this mater and advise the public at large early.

For the time being the following interim measures are suggested;

* Please use headphones.

* Keep the cellular phones away from your body

* Please place the cellular phone on your left ear and change every 15 minutes

* Refrain from using cellular phones when travelling in closed Air-Conditioned cars.

* Avoid usage of cellular phones continuously beyond half an hour

* Those who work in departments where usage of cellular phones is high, should go for medical examination every six months, so that early detection could be made for rectification.

It should be appreciated that my intention is not to undermine the usage of cellular phones, but to avoid health hazards due to continuous usage by the public at large.

It is also better for the government to ban using cellular phones whilst walking along the roads. People should stop walking first before speaking over the phone. This ban will definitely reduce accidents.

The writer is a Council Member - The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka