2.6 Using mobile phonesApril 12, 2023

What kills more people each year?

Sharks, Flu, MRSA, Cold, Heat, Lightning,

Fireworks

Are mobile phones safe?

• At present, scientific evidence suggests that microwave radiation produced by mobile phone is unlikely to harm the general population of the UK. But it is still too early to be certain. Health problems may take time to develop

Are mobile phones safe?

• Some people may be at a higher risk because of genetic factors. Children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the head and a longer time of exposure

Are mobile phones safe?

• Until we know more, it makes sense for mobile phone users to minimise exposure to such radiation. This can be done in several ways, including maker fewer and shorter phonecalls.

Are mobile phones safe?

• In line with our precautionary approach, we believe that the widespread use of mobile phones for non-essential calls should be discouraged. Children under 8 should not use mobile phones.

• UK report on mobile phone safety, January 2005

Aims

• Show and explain effects of mobile phones in terms of absorption of microwave radiation

• Describe mobile phones as striking a balance between benefits and possible risks, and explain why there are uncertainties about safety

• H: introduce the precautionary principle

Cooked brain?

• Mobile phones use microwave radiation• They receive and send microwaves from a

‘base station’• The base station emits at 100 W whereas a

phone emits at 0.25 W• The skull absorbs some of this radiation but

research suggests some will reach your brain and warms it up (but so does exercise!)

Dangers of drinking water

Phone mast radiation

• People have concerns about radiation from phone masts

• They are designed to not emit radiation directly underneath

Comparing risks: drink driving vs drink walking

• Perceived risk: what people think are the risks and size of such risks

• Actual risk: what the actual risks are

The precautionary principle

• If the costs of some activity may turn out to be greater than the benefits, it makes sense to restrict the activity (or even stop it).

•OR

• Better safe, than sorry

To do:

• Read through Section D: Is there a health risk?

Gt th msg?Now answer the Q’s

And finally…

•Knowing what you now know, will you still be using a mobile phone?•Will you let your baby

brother use one?