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Oscar Suarez Professor Cole ENGL 2010 09 May 2013 Cell Phones: Exploring the Other Side Technology has been linked to human evolution since the beginning of time. Humans have always dreamed, created, and developed new ways to transform their environment, new ways to make their lives easier. Nowadays people carry in their pockets what maybe was the dream of our ancestors: the popular cellphone. The use of portable devices is a must in today`s world. Mobile phones are now accessible around the world and number in the billions. We already know the benefits that mobile devices bring to our lives. But behind the competitive cell phone market a question remains regarding its negative effects on health, society, and the environment. All electronic devices emit some amount of electromagnetic radiation, which causes harm and has potential long-term negative effects; cell phones are not an exception. Research with RF (radio frequency energy) and microwave radiation at cell phone level has shown in their in-vitro experiments abnormal cell proliferation, changes in cell membranes, and movement of ions and substances across membranes. It happens at the cellular level, but we cannot think that it doesn't affect the complexity of human bodies. The truth is that it is a cumulative process and over time side effects will surface. For example, It has been proven that use of an analog cell phone after 10 years is linked to illnesses such cancer, brain tumors, Alzheimers, Parkinson's, and

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headaches. Mobile phones are now digital technology, and

there are many ongoing

studies today that are examining the issue more closely than before. (Sanchez) It is important to understand the negative effects of cell phones on humans, and the environment; exposure to radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic waves affect human health, the isolation resulting of less person-to-person communications, distraction as a cause of accidents, and the irreversible damage inflicted to our environment by improper disposal of replaced units. As mobile device users, it is vitally important to know all these negative effects to ensure a reduction, elimination, or minimization of the impact of them in our society, health, and environment. All electronic devices emit RF, and electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by our bodies. Exposure to these types of radiation could be dangerous for health, and there is a tiny link between RF and electromagnetic radiation, and different types of cancer, especially brain tumors. The amount of radiation emitted from portable devices is relatively small, but it is a cumulative process that after years could affect health in many ways. The phone was invented by Bell in 1870, with the idea of improving the limited telegraph by transmitting multiple messages at the same time. The phone was invented to improve communication, and to make distances shorter. After a century of research, the phone device has evolved into a multi-tasking and useful tool with features such as the Internet, multimedia, text messaging, and voice at the same time. However, personto-person communication is affected on a daily basis because of portable communication devices. Everyone has experienced talking with someone who is sending text messages or emails at the same time you are trying to talk. In this case, it is clear that a communication channel is being affected by the other person`s device. It is

Suarez3 common to find exiled people on their cellphones surfing in their own one person world, the perfect excuse to avoid making visual or verbal contact with others. Friendship and relationships are affected by cell phones too: Why should we met at the park, the mall, or at our friend`s house if we now meet at the chat room to talk, play, and share? Without any doubt, the social network boom has contributed to changing the rules of socialization. What is the point to have hundreds or thousands of friends in your favorite social network if you are really interested to communicate with just a few of them? The problem may not be the devices, but how we use them. The line between work and personal time has disappeared because portable devices enable people to be contacted anytime, and anywhere. The great aspect of numbers is that they speak for themselves. That is why statistics are the best tool to understand the effects of cellphones on the human condition. Some of these numbers and data below are taken from edgarsnyder.com:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the percentage of drivers who were using a cell phone (texting or manipulating it in some way) increased to 0.9% in 2010.

The percentage of drivers using a cell phone while holding it to their ear was 5% in 2010

There were 3,092 deaths in distraction-related accidents in 2010, but the number is likely much higher.

About 6,000 deaths and a half a million injuries are caused by distracted drivers every year.

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In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in the U.S. because of accidents that involved distracted driving. Another 448,000 were injured.

Of the 5,474 killed because of distracted driving, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a factor. However, the number of fatalities caused by cell phone use could be much higher. For those who were injured, 24,000 involved reports of cell phone use as a distraction.

More people are driving while distracted when they are involved in fatal crashes. The percentage of fatalities associated with distracted drivers increased from 10% in 2005 to 16% in 2009.

In 2009, 867 fatal crashes were reported to have involved cell phones as a means for driver distraction (18% of all fatal distracted-driving crashes).

Epa.gov reports that over 100 million devices are replaced every year. How many of them are properly recycled? Cell phones potentially could contaminate our environment as they contain such toxic materials as lead, cadmium, nickel, and/or lithium. When these devices are deposited in a landfill those toxins leach out contaminating the soil, and the drinking water. Cell phones contain parts with plastics, silver, gold, and copper, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. By recycling cell phones, we will help to save energy and to maintain landfills free of toxic contamination. Cell phones and portable communication devices are now a fact of life. But is something that cannot be denied, they can negatively impact our daily life and health. It is imperative to recognize these negative effects to reduce, eliminate, and minimize their impact. The overall of cell phone using public may be in jeopardy. The societal impact of cellphones is reflected in the way we communicate with others, i.e. forgetting

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manners, crossing boundaries, and a reduction in person-to-person interaction. The environment is suffering contamination due to improper disposal of electronic devices. Toxins and recyclable materials coming from replaced cellphones should not be placed in landfills. The right way to protect the environment is by disposing them in drop boxes, and specific recycle cans with that purposeful destination. The implementation of hands free accessories will help to reduce the risk of acquire cancer or other diseases related illnesses. Establishment of new strict policies and regulations from local and federal authorities on the use of cell phones, and portable devices will enforce their use to prevent and reduce accidents. The most important contribution, without any doubt comes from us, knowing the convenience of these devices designed to make our lives easier, and the negative side effects as a result of use. Every user should adopt coherent attitudes to maintain respect for others, and keep direct communication with the people we need to communicate with. Knowing the risks we are exposed to, it is imperative to take measures to protect ourselves, and reduce their negative impact on our families, and ourselves. The invisible hazard is still out there, just doing a safe disposal we can ensure, and preserve a good environment for future generations. We love cell phones and they are here to stay, a wonderful communication tool, but we must stay educated, and always understand the down-side of this technology on ourselves, and our environment.

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Cited Works "Cell Phone & Texting Accident Statistics." Edgarsnyder.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/cell-phone-statistics.html>.

Davis, Devra Lee. Disconnect: The Truth about Cell Phone Radiation, What Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family. New York: Dutton, 2010. Print. Sanchez, Emilia. What Effects do Mobile Phones have on People's Health? Barcelona, Spain: World health Organization, 2006.

"Statistics on the Management of Used and End-of-Life Electronics." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/manage.htm>.