Health Hazards From Mobile Towers

Cell phone, or mobile, towers provide cell phone and even Internet reception as many cell phone companies switch to providing both services through their networks. However, many people wonder whether the benefits these towers provide are offset by negative effects on human health (or whether reports of potential dangers are blown out of proportion).

Radio Frequency

• Cell phones, laptop computers and other devices that use a mobile signal function off of Radio Frequency (RF) signals, which are the same type of signals that come into your car radio. RF radiation outputs are much higher at or near mobile towers. It is the concentrated exposure to radiation near these towers that holds center stage in the debate.

Effects

• RF radiation has two major effects on the human body. One is a thermal effect, which directly heats the cells in the body. This damage, which is akin to what would happen if you were put in a microwave, can alter the composition of the cells and even liquefy them. Non-thermal effects, which people who are not right up against these towers deal with, do not heat cells. However, non-thermal radiation can cause other potential problems.

Symptoms

• There are a wide variety of symptoms that have been attributed to exposure to RF radiation from cell phone towers. Headaches and general muscle pain, along with sensitivity to brightness and even nausea are some of the lower end symptoms. More dangerous symptoms include the development of cancer, cataracts and other serious and negative alterations of the structure of cells in the body.

Exposure Time

• The time of the exposure is part of the issue in question. Short-term exposure to RF radiation has mild side effects that rarely go above discomfort and occasional physical aches. However, long-term exposure to RF radiation has potential consequences that haven't been adequately measured yet because the widespread use of the technology is so relatively new.