Effects of Mobile Phones on Human Health

The explosive popularity of mobile phones has moved scientists and doctors to study the devices' potential ill effects on human health. The studies have revealed that the phones do pose some risks, whether from merely touching them, or from actually using them.

Bugs and Superbugs

• Mobile phones are an excellent way to carry around germs and bacteria, and the risk for this rises exponentially for devices belonging to doctors, nurses and other health professionals. According to ABC News, 94.5% of tested cell phones of health-industry employees were tainted with bacteria, some considered dangerous. A number of the devices contained traces of "superbugs," which are not treated easily with antibiotics. ABC News adds that, despite such findings, most health professionals don't clean their phones properly or regularly.

All Thumbs

• With the average mobile user now sending more text messages than he makes calls --- 357 sent or received per month, according to a 2008 survey by Nielsen News, to 204 phone calls made or received --- it's no surprise that stress injuries are up. The repetitive pressing of the thumbs while texting has been blamed for damaged ligaments and other sources of hand discomfort. Although easily treatable in most cases, doctors say surgery can be necessary in extreme cases.

Nickel Allergies

• Common allergens like pollen and dust are often found on a mobile phone's surface, but there's another irritant commonly found in phones themselves: nickel. The metal can be found on various areas of the phone; skin contact can result in redness or a rash --- with rash often indicating a contact dermatitis infection.

Music Volumes

• With music players now commonly incorporated into mobile phones, the devices are being blamed for users' hearing woes --- with permanent hearing damage possible for those who listen at high volume. According to ABC News, an average phone conversation runs approximately 60 decibels; those who use the same phone to listen to music, however, may exceed the safe decibel levels --- 85 or lower --- by going upwards of 100 decibels.