By Amanda Warren
Even though membership is on the rise, no one wants to join “The Cancer Club.”
In 2011, The World Health Organization classified sources of cell phone and wireless WiFi radiation as “Possibly Carcinogenic.”
Wireless radiation is microwave radiation. It is referred to by many different names:
- Cell Phone Radiation
- Microwave Frequency
- Microwave Radiation
- RadioFrequency (RF)
- RadioFrequency Radiation (RFR)
- Wireless Frequency
- WiFi
Since 2011, there have been scientists who have stated that the “Possibly Carcinogenic” classification is too low. In 2017, long-time WHO advisor, Dr. Anthony Miller, claimed there was enough research that proves all sources of cell phone and wireless WiFi radiation should be classified as “Carcinogenic.”
Very recently, more news was released in regard to this: “Italian RF–Animal Study: ‘Consistent with’ and ‘Reinforces’ U.S. NTP Cancer Finding – Ramazzini’s Belpoggi Calls for IARC To Reassess RF–Cancer Risk.” (Source)
Cell phones and other wireless devices originally were designed and created to be used by military personnel for a few minutes at a time in emergency situations. Gradually they started being manufactured and sold for purposes outside of the military.
Safety guidelines for cell phones and other wireless technology devices were created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) more than 20 years ago. “Safety” Testing involves a plastic mannequin head and body parts based on a replica of a 220-pound military man referred to as “SAM.” These guidelines and testing are what we still use today for all wireless products. Because of that, no safe level of cell phone or wireless WiFi radiation has ever been scientifically determined for children or pregnant women.
Despite this, it has become common to market cell phones and other personal wireless devices to people of all ages, including very young children. In doing so, it seems that these devices have become the ultimate fashion statement.
Media sources and medical professionals have warned us off and on over the years about holding or wearing cell phones against the body. Product manuals include information about this, too.
Marketing campaigns encourage this anyway. So it’s not at all unusual to see people carry or wear their phones inside their bras, strapped to their arms, inside shirt pockets, inside their pants’ front or back pockets. Art, of course, imitates life so that’s also what we see characters doing in movies and on TV shows.
Some may not ever get cancer from this or anything else. However, there is a disturbing trend of colorectal cancer (CRC) since 2000 which has been on the rise in people under 50 in the U.S., while it is on the decline for those over 50 years. CRC remains the 3rd most common cancer worldwide with European countries routinely dominating the top-20. Although authors of the yearly CRC statistics haven’t confirmed one specific reason, it is certainly plausible that the increased exposure to cell phone radiation could be a contributing factor, since the under-50 age group has embraced their use more frequently. Fortunately, a colorectal cancer treatment in Germany is offering hope for those who do. That’s certainly a good thing because Germany is at #11 for the highest number of mobile phones in use worldwide.
It’s important to remember that once upon a time, tobacco products were marketed by medical professionals as being good for health. Eventually tobacco makers were legally forced to stop doing this. That’s when they started marketing them as being rebellious and cool. The “Marlboro Man” was created to personify this. Ironically, the real man who was paid to be “Marlboro Man” character actually died of lung cancer.
Other devices and products that emit wireless (WiFi) radiation include cordless landline phones, computers, iPads, utility “smart” meters, Wi-Fi routers, Fitbits, and other activity trackers. Naturally, all of these are being used more frequently worldwide.
Adults and children are ridiculed if not ostracized for not having and using all the latest tech devices 24/7. Many of these devices have also been marketed as “learning tools” for children in public school systems and PBS’ Sesame Street. Toy cell phones are sold featuring the Sesame Street logo and characters.
People are voicing concerns about this, though. Many organizations are demanding laws be created so that very young children are not allowed to own cell phones. They are also demanding that WiFi be replaced in schools with safer wired Internet.
There has been a “rollout” of wireless and digital utility “smart” meters all over the world also. They are being marketed as beneficial to customers, eco-friendly, and energy efficient. These meters emit wireless radiation as well. Many organizations are also trying to stop them from being installed in their communities and on their homes.
Last and certainly not least, 5G small cell tower technology is also being marketed as fashionable. Apparently we’re supposed to believe that the best thing ever is for all of us to “binge-watch, surf, and post online” at faster speeds without having to worry about our screens freezing up or being disconnected.
Despite all the wireless technology hype, for many years already tech inventors have been limiting their own kids’ exposure to it – even sending them to private low-tech schools.
David Bowie may have explained marketing and fashion better than anyone:
“We are the goon squad and we’re coming to town. Beep Beep.”
Image credit: Pixabay