Cell Phone Health Risk To Bones

There have been on again, off again reports that cell phones cause brain cancer. Now the latest information is the radiation emitted by cell phones is causing a reduction in bone density.The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery has posted an abstract on a study of how cell phones affect bone density of people as they carry the devices around. This predominantly affects men as we are more likely to carry a phone around on our hip in a belt clip than women, who often carry them in a purse.

It studied the effects over a 12 month period. Adult males were to carry a cell phone on their right hip for 11 hours a day. At the end of the study, bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. On the face of it, just using the x-ray machine seems to be one of those cases where simply "observing" the subject can affect the results.

Both bone mineral density and content were lower than in that of non-users. Lower bone mineral density is something we all go through as we age. New bone mass is grown at a slower rate than deterioration occurs. Calcium and other minerals are lost and the bone becomes lighter and more fragile. This study suggests that carrying a cell phone close to your body for extended periods of time each day will hasten this natural loss.

Up until two years ago I constantly carried my phone around in a holster. Now I transport it around in my pockets but put it on the table once I get where I am going. I am not sure why I changed, but this study suggests I did the right thing.

Will you change where you carry your phone if you currently use a holster?

Via Thinkq