The Dangers of Cell Phones: Driving and Human Body
Introduction
Being one of the innovational inventions of the 21st century, cell phones have completely transformed our lives – They have improved how previously communicational mediums were conducted and how the world has become a global village. With cell phones, individuals can feasibly talk to each other, exchange information, learn from each other, access entertainment & connect to the internet. With enormous benefits of cells phones, today it is impossible to live without these phones. However, where cell phones have been a blessing in many forms, it has been proved to be detrimental as well. Cell phones have become immensely dangerous for human health and welfare for many reasons.
All cell phones, emit radiations, a form of non-ionizing rays and radiofrequency waves as well which happens to develop cancerous cells. On the other hand, one out of every four car accidents’ is caused due to the usage of cell phones while driving; leading to 1.6 million vehicles crashes and 390,000 injuries occur on annual basis. Multiple potentially dangerous uses such as teenagers engaging in illegal activities, phone addiction, taking part in cheating, abusing on social media, threatening, smuggling, and even terrorist attacks. Hence cell phones are dangerous and cause adverse impacts.
Global and Local Usage of Cell Phones
According to Statista (2019), today about 2.71 billion individuals are using cell phones which means about 35.13 % of the globe’s population is utilizing smartphones. According to National Cancer Institute, (2019) on global basis, about more than five billion cell phones are operational. Over time the length & number of phone calls, text messaging, live video calls have increased. Due to higher trends the cell phone technology is advancing and exposure to the harmful radiations has increased. According to Arabiangazette, (2019) Emiratis, on average basis utilize their cell phones for about 6.5 hours and 43 % of the UAE population claim that they are electronically linked with their family, friends, peers and other people. They mostly talk, text and send videos via using social media platforms through their cell phones. Before sleeping 76 % of the individuals utilize their cell phones and immediately after waking up 72 % of individuals use their cell phones.
Emission of Harmful radiations from Cell Phones
As stated by Kresser, (2019), in order to determine the cause-and-effect association between cell usage and its detrimental effects; it has shown that cell phone radiation damages the structure of DNA, and increases the oxidation stress of the body. According to National Cancer Institute, (2019) many studies have been conducted based upon epidemiological researches in which it is investigated that possibility of an association between usage of cell phone & the risk of cancerous tumors such as malignant brain tumors, non-cancerous tumors (Benign), Gliomas, tumors in the ear (vestibular schwannomas), tumors in the spinal cord (Meningiomas) and development of cancerous cells in the parotid and salivary glands. Electromagnetic waves and Radiofrequency radiation emitted by the cell phones have been an alarming cause of cancerous cells in the brain, neck and spinal cord region.
On the other hand, the Cancer Incidence Data has shown the rapid increase in the brain tumors in various populations due to higher use of cell phones. The ‘Million Women Study’ conducted cohort research in United Kingdom that revealed that women and men have been suffering from non-central nervous system tumors, increased risk of glioma, and meningioma due to their addiction of smartphones. The research conducted by NTP revealed that 2G and 3G frequencies infused of radiofrequency radiation triggered non-cancerous changes (hyperplasia), and small amount of cancers of Schwann cells in the heart.
According to the study conducted by Guxens et al., (2019) a broad array of detrimental health impacts has been reported due to cell phone usage. The neurological effects are highly dangerous because children using smartphones at a young age are massively exposed to cell phone radiations. It negatively impacts over learning process, memory, and cognitive functions of the children. The European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, in 2015, identified the increased risk for other malignant ailments through epidemiologic studies including childhood cancer.
Distracted Driving and accidental causalities caused by Cell Phones
As noted by Atchley, & Strayer, (2017), in their study the major consistent health-related risk associated with the usage of cell phones is vehicle accidents due to distracted driving- while driving vehicles, individuals constantly text, message, talk and send videos. Unfortunately, on daily basis individuals die every day in road accidents due to their higher usage of cell phones while driving. According to the study conducted by Atchley, & Strayer, (2017), today cell phones are considered to be among the leading factors that cause accidents. Even many of the individuals are taking selfies and making videos due to phone addiction and social media craze. Many researches illustrate how drivers put them on four 10 tunes greater risk of getting involved in having a car crash. Despite the realization of the risk, people use constantly use their cell phones. Furthermore, individuals also perceive usage of hands-free to be saved however this is not the case. The drivers’ attention is diverted anyhow. However, understanding the risk of getting in far worse situation, people argue that cell phones are necessary to be used in emergency situations.
According to the study conducted by the University of Washington stated that pedestrians who are constantly hooked on their cell phones are 4 times less likely to look carefully before crossing the road, crosswalks and obey the traffic signals. The study also concluded that pedestrians that are crossing the roads take two seconds longer as compared to the individuals who are not using their cell phones. Both aspects that are: diverted attention of drivers and pedestrians use of phones can turn out to be catastrophic situations, dealing with life and death conditions. On the other hand, the teenage drivers are reported to be well informed regarding driving laws however still they tend to use their cell phones for texting and making calls due to phone addiction. According to Zebra (2019), using cell phones while driving the vehicle is 6 times more likely to cause an accident as compared to drunk driving. Alone in US, about 1.5 million car crashes take place that results in life causalities and even death. Moreover, the driver is distracted for about 5 seconds while texting which is enough time to travel a football field at the length 55 miles/hour.
Other Detrimental effects
Phone addiction is highly common among young people and teenagers as well. Even adults who are career-oriented are much more prone to posting selfies and creating an impression of their on social media that can be false and deceptive as well. Individuals can be deceived and may get into a scam. For example, many people from unknown regions become friends and tend to meet face to face. The moment people meet, unexpectantly either you are scammed or deceived with harmful consequences. There have been many cases of abduction and smuggling. On the other hand, many unauthorized and unlicensed companies try to sale their unbranded and low-quality products through cell phones. They send fake pictures and description to potential customers; as the payment transactions are carried out, such companies either block, take away all the money and vanish in thin air. Other than this, many students have become dull, as their cell phones have become smarter. They are less likely to place efforts in attaining academic achievements and usually cheat in the examination halls through their cell phones. Furthermore, even while attending the lectures or in the classrooms, they use their cell phones to answer the questions of their teachers.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that cell phones have become a vital necessity for the current generation. The pose various opportunities for individuals, societies, and businesses as well. With open communication, knowledge sharing behavior is evident and learning has become more feasible. It provides conveniences to businesses where they can sell their products and services however with so many benefits, cell phones have been proved to be dangerous for human lives and their welfare. First of all, every cell phone emits radiations that are harmful to sensory organs especially for the regions of brain, neck, and spinal cord. Many studies have proved that usage of cell phones and development of cancerous cells are positively correlated. It also manipulates with the structure of DNA and increases the oxidation stress. Other than this, usage of cell phones while driving has been established to be the most critical factor in contributing to diverted driving and car accidents. People from all ages are hooked on their phones due to phone addictions that can lead to deceptions, scams, and depression as well due to abuse, racial discrimination and body shaming. Hence it has culminated that ‘Cell Phones are dangerous’ for the welfare of human civilization.
References
- Arabiangazette. (2019). UAE Smartphone Usage Trends Revealed [New Report] - Arabian Gazette. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://arabiangazette.com/uae-smartphone-usage-trends-revealed-2019/
- Atchley, P., & Strayer, D. L. (2017). Small screen use and driving safety. Pediatrics, 140 (Supplement 2), S107-S111.
- Edgarsnyder.com. (2019). Texting and Driving Accident Statistics - Distracted Driving. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cause-of-accident/cell-phone/cell-phone-statistics.html
- Guxens, M., Vermeulen, R., Steenkamer, I., Beekhuizen, J., Vrijkotte, T. G., Kromhout, H., & Huss, A. (2019). Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, screen time, and emotional and behavioural problems in 5-year-old children. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 222(2), 188-194.
- Kresser, C. (2019). Are Cell Phones Dangerous to Your Health? | Chris Kresser. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://chriskresser.com/are-cell-phones-dangerous-to-your-health/
- National Cancer Institute. (2019). Cell Phones and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/cell-phones-fact-sheet
- Statista. (2019). Number of smartphone users worldwide 2014-2020 | Statista. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/
- Ward, L. (2017). Tech World: Cell Phone Pros and Cons TIME FOR KIDS®: Informational Text (p. 12). Teacher Created Materials.
- Zebra. (2019). Texting and Driving Statistics 2019 | The Zebra. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://www.thezebra.com/texting-and-driving-statistics/
