On February 23, in
"Save Your Brain: Put Your Cell Phone in Your Sock Drawer," I reported on new research from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers there looked at the effects of cell-phone use on
brain metabolism. They found that a cell phone's electromagnetic radiation increases metabolic activity in certain brain regions near the phone's radiation source.
To my mind, that means more time for your cell phone-resting unused in your sock drawer!
Now, another study suggests an effect on a different body area, and once again the sock drawer option seems appealing. This new study, published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, looked at bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the hipbones of healthy male adult volunteers. Half the men were nonusers of mobile phones. The other half were users who carried a phone close to the right hip, for at least one year.
The study found that cell-phone wearers had lower BMD and BMC in their right hips, compared to nonusers. The degree of bone loss was predicted by the number of hours that the cell phone was worn on the hip.
The researcher concluded that electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones may adversely affect bone strength. Writes Dr. Fernando D. Saraví of National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: "The different patterns of right-left asymmetry in femoral bone mineral found in mobile cell phone users and nonusers are consistent with a nonthermal effect of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves not previously described."
The study carries all the usual caveats. This is (as far as I know) the first study on this topic, so more research is needed. However, studies on cell phone use continue to show effects of various kinds.
My cell phone stays in my sock drawer most of the time. Does yours?
Sources:
Saraví, Fernando D. "Asymmetries in Hip Mineralization in Mobile Cellular Phone Users." Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (March 2011) Volume 2, Issue 2, pp 706-710.
"Save Your Brain: Put Your Cell Phone in Your Sock Drawer"
