The Dangers of Using a Mobile Device
- Traffic Accidents
- Contact with Pathogens
- Eye Strain
- Disruption of Sleep Patterns
- Exposure to Radiation
Now that the majority of adults in the United States use a digital device on a regular basis, more people are curious about the mobile phone health risks they face from daily usage. Since the fundamental technology is relatively new and undergoing active development, there is still a lot to learn about its long-term effects. Radiation emitted by digital devices, as well as the wireless infrastructure that serves them, is only one of the ways that they can impact human health and safety.
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1. Traffic Accidents
Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of physical injury in the United States, ranging from minor wounds to debilitating trauma. Drivers who use mobile devices are inevitably distracted by splitting their attention and some look away from the road for extended periods of time. The strong correlation between mobile phone use and traffic accidents prompted many states to create laws restricting usage by drivers. There is also a notable safety risk for pedestrians who use their mobile device while traveling near moving vehicles.
2. Contact with Pathogens
Many people hold their mobile phone right up to their face when they use it without much regard for where it’s been the rest of the day. Whether it’s stored in a pocket, thrown on the counter or left in the bottom of a bag, phones can serve as a vector for dangerous pathogens. Users who don’t keep their phone clean could expose themselves to numerous bacterial and viral infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
3. Eye Strain
The human eye is a complex and delicate organ that has multi-faceted capabilities, but staring at a glowing screen all day isn’t one of them. Consistent use of mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices exposes the user to the risk of eye strain and damage. These problems are often made worse by poor habits, like holding the screen too close or neglecting to take a break in prolonged viewing sessions.
4. Disruption of Sleep Patterns
Some researchers have discovered a link between mobile phone usage and changes in human sleep patterns, brain activity, and behavior. While these effects are not severe on their own, they can contribute to ongoing mental or physical health issues. Significant disruption of normal sleep patterns can lead to fatigue, depression and other issues that can diminish the quality of life.
5. Exposure to Radiation
Even though most mobile devices emit a relatively low amount of radiation, consistent exposure to the same parts of the body could pose a health risk. RF fields created by wireless phones and devices are classified as possibly carcinogenic, although there is limited evidence to support a significant cancer risk associated with usage, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Electromagnetic fields created by mobile phones can also interfere with personal medical equipment and vehicles, which is why they should be disabled during delicate stages of a flight.
The benefits of wireless technology are evident in their popularity and widespread public adoption across age groups. Mobile devices are reshaping the communications and computing industries, but that doesn’t mean that users shouldn’t worry about the mobile phone health risks they could be exposed to along the way.
