High mobile use puts us at risk of brain tumours

April 14, 2008

Eklavya Atray

Sunday, April 13, 2008 02:57 IST

NEW DELHI: India could see several cases of brain tumour over the next

two-to-three years due to constant use of mobile phones say neurologists, as

they

debate a recent Australian study that says a correlation does exist between the

two.

Australian neurosurgeon Dr Vini Khurana's study predicts that the fallout of

heavy mobile phone use would be visible soon as the nation's love affair with

mobile phone climbs to dizzying heights.

In his research, Khurana says heavy usage of cell phones for a period of 10

years or more doubles the chances of brain tumour. It also, he adds, has larger

public health ramification than asbestos and smoking.

Union health minister Dr Anbumani Ramdoss has called for a study to be conducted

to study the ill-effects of mobile phones.

Cellphones' radiation can heat up the side of the head or potentially

thermoelectrically interact with the brain, while bluetooth devices and

unshielded

headsets convert the user's head into self-harming antenna, Dr Khurana says,

based on his study. Childeren are at a greater risk because they possess a

thinner skull in comparison to adults.

Meanwhile, Dr Rajeev Ranjan, a neurology expert at Sir Gangaram Hospital, says,

" EMR rays in general cause irritation, concentration lapses and in many

cases even proliferation of cells which cause cancer. " Particularly at risk, he

says, are those with pacemakers which the EMR can interfere with.

Dr Anshu Rohatgi, another Delhi neurologist, says, " Electro magnetic

radiations, in general, affect the DNA and cause problems in cell recovery and

cell

growth. "

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