INTRODUCTION

When new substances and technologies hit the market, they often come with complex
science, divergent scientific opinions and influential commercial interests. There are
many examples of governments and regulatory bodies failing to act swiftly as a result,
leading to irreversible damage to human health. One of the new technology explode
today is Mobile Phone.
A mobile phone is a wireless electronic device used for telephone and multimedia
communications. The term "mobile phone" does not typically refer to a cordless
phone, which is ultimately still connected to a landline. Mobile phones are just
another word for cell phones, and they receive their service from cell phone towers.
A mobile phone may be used anywhere outdoors or indoors, and does not have a base
unit that it must be returned to like a cordless phone.
Mobile phones may be purchased directly from the manufacturers, or they may be
purchased as part of a cell phone service contract from a service provider. It is often
more expensive to purchase a mobile phone from the manufacturer, because service
providers often offer steep discounts when purchasing a phone with a one or two year
contract. There are different types of mobile phones to suit different needs.
A basic mobile phone is simply able to make and receive calls, and send and receive
text messages. In addition, it may have other basic features such as games, a calendar,
or a camera, among others. A smartphone, on the other hand, is a mobile phone that is
capable of accessing and browsing the Internet; it may also include computer
programs for word processing or spreadsheets, for example. Smartphones are
convenient for those who need to frequently check email or access documents. Most
smartphones also feature full-size keyboards, whereas a basic cell phone might feature
a condensed keyboard. Other features included on a mobile phone might include a
video camera, a GPS device, an MP3 player, among other useful applications.
As the manager of institute of Occupational Safety and Health, I have prepared this
report because mobile phone users are repeatedly hearing of contradictory studies on
the health effects of mobiles. I wanted to lay the science bare to help people

understand the potential risks and to encourage policy-makers to take appropriate

action.
Existing reviews have tended to look only at one type of health issue, particularly
cancer. We describe the major areas of concern for human social and health.
I examine current government policy and corporate behavior and make a series of
recommendations to ensure that both the government and individual act swiftly to
protected and healthy living.
Throughout, we keep in mind that public health protection involves a difficult
balancing act between the benefits of new technologies and their risks. The process is
not simple and neither is the answer. However, waiting for a complete absence of
doubt has led me in the past to miss opportunities to protect the public from damaging
effects of new technologies. I offer this report in the hope it will help shape a modern
and intelligent approach to the exponentially serious risks.
Before I go much further into the cause of social and medical problems by the mobile
phone, let took a look at the advantages of it. The role of mobile phones in medicine.
Mobile phones are playing a key part in improving medical services in third world
countries and even advancing medical options in first world nations.
Nowadays, mobile phone is considered as a key element in our daily life. It has
transformed the way we communicate to a much extent. It has altered our medical and
social life's aspects both negatively and positively.
In my report, I will discuss how mobile phone has changed our communication
way, and how it has affected our medical and social life negatively and or positively.
First of all, it is a fact that mobile phone has transformed our way of communication
or our way to do business. Now, every one have a mobile or more, even the children
of 10 years, in order to connect them with their parents, when they go out to school or
to buy some thing. Also, all businessmen depend on it in a large scale during their
work as it facilitates their communications all over the world.

Nevertheless, as many things else, mobile phone has its disadvantages both on our
social and medical life.
SOCIAL PROBLEM WITH MOBILE PHONE USAGE
Below are three aspect that we should look into social problem mobile phone usage.
Cultural Issues
In every country studied, mobile phones have created new problems for traditional
cultural values. In some cases, the camera feature of mobile phones has been
particularly transgressive, permitting a new audience of viewers for what has
traditionally been considered private or restricted. The issue of private vs. public
emerges as one of the most interesting aspects of mobile phone technology.
Each culture classifies not only its activities but also its surroundings into categories
such as public and private, formal and informal, and so forth. Members of
communities learn to interpret these categories and what kinds of audiences and
language will be appropriate. Speakers have choices about what type of language to
use in a particular context or to a particular person, and certain features of language
can invoke a particular context, for example, using certain terms or ways of speaking
can invoke a religious context, legal context, educational context or intimate context.
Cultures differ in their ideas about who are authorized speakers and hearers;
many cultures share the notion that certain words and phrases are taboo or forbidden
in certain contexts or between certain members of society. Everyday situations are
very important not only for childrens learning, but for the whole societys production
and maintenance of habits of understanding and expectations.
New challenges and contexts have arisen through new technologies which challenge
customary activity categories, for example, with television bringing scenes of places
and people, both real and fictional, reaching audiences, both intended and unintended,

outside the immediate environment. The mobile phone enables very private
conversations to take place in very public places.
What is appropriate for a particular culture is often not apparent until breaches occur
or people do not perform in expected ways. Habits create what seems natural to
people and beliefs of societies impact attitudes about communication and proper
social relations. Many of those using mobile phones report their feeling that there is a
lack of common sense among mobile phone users. So-called common sense is
actually a set of established, culturally embedded practices, learned behavior and a
learned worldview.
Some aspects of mobile phone use that are being experienced as socially disruptive
include the interruptive nature of mobile phones. When phones ring, people feel
obliged to answer them, which can mean abruptly turning ones attention from one
conversation or activity to another. Cultural rules and norms about how to manage
interruptions of current activities have not yet been established for mobile phones. A
person calling on a mobile phone is not aware of the social context surrounding the
person who will answer.
Mobile phone users in Italy reported their disapproval of people who answered their
cell phones during family meals, for example. Mobile phones can threaten safety and
result in challenges to individual freedoms as well as group security, and the
management of work vs private time, as well as public vs private spaces. People
report, for example, that the mobile phone has changed social habits of visiting
friends and relatives, and that people complain that they now receive text messages
rather than visits, for example, in Indonesia. Mobile phones are changing work habits
and the length of the working day.
Health and Safety
Two categories of health problems were mentioned by study participants: direct and
indirect health issues. In terms of direct health concerns, members of most of the
societies studied cited radiation hazards, fears that mobile phones cause early aging
and headaches. In terms of indirect health problems, study participants cited sleeping
disorders and depression. There is a paradox about health issues, however. While

people are aware of the potential dangers of mobile phone use they also report being
mobile phone addicted, using a metaphor indicating that needs for connection and
communication can override questions about the safety of the means for such
connection. In Brazil, for example, a 60 year old study participant reported that
people can get addicted to mobile phones and this causes them to forget family
values. At the same time mobile phone users report some positive health outcomes,
as in the case of a 48 year old business owner in Brazil who reported that he was able
to reach his doctor on a different continent and undergo lifesaving surgery: I had to
have urgent surgery and was able to reach my doctor who was on vacation and
answered his phone while on a train in Spain.
In France there was felt to be a lack of information on the issue of health. Other safety
concerns include using a cell phone to talk or text message (except in hands free
mode) while driving or bicycling (e.g. Korea, Italy, France, Russia, Australia, Egypt,
Brazil). This problem is a focus of regulation in many countries. As one interviewee
stated: I find someone driving a car and he is speaking [on the phone]at any time he
could cause an accident. He isnt paying attention and is speaking on the mobile
phone and he is very concentrated on the mobile phone and it is possible that he hits
another car or hurts someone. Maybe he rear ends the car in front of him because he is
busy and it is possible that he becomes upset and at this time he takes his hands from
the wheel because he is catching the mobile phone. Even if there is a hands free set,
he is upset and busy and can cause an accident at any time. Even thought there are
prohibitions, there is little police supervision,
Mobile phone use changes the safety of the environment for wearers of pacemakers
and in gas stations. Many people report their unhappiness with unsightly mobile
phone towers and antennas. In France and Indonesia newspapers report difficulties
between local authorities and mobile phone companies finding agreement on the
installation of antennas. In many cultures the noise of mobile phone rings and the
level of conversations on mobile phones is cited as a kind of pollution of the
environment.

Criminal Behaviors
New Criminal Behaviors enabled by mobile phone technology have emerged in all
over the world. The mobile phone is a new aid in criminal and antisocial behavior.
Mobile phones have been used to facilitate assaults, to facilitate harassment (cyber
bullying), to illegally advertise products, and to undermine law enforcement.
Many concerned about the protection of youth and the fact that mobile phones enable
access to vulnerable populations, particularly children. In Australia mobile phones
with texting capabilities, photo and video capabilities, and satellite positioning options
make it possible for children to have constant access to the Internet. Much of this
access is currently unsupervised. As a court report in Australia states, mobile phones
have taken the Internet out of schools and family computers and put it in children's
pockets and pencil cases, offering 24/7 [24 hours a day, 7 days a week] unmonitored
access." New antisocial behaviors at school include cheating during exams and petty
theft.
Criminal behaviors include short message spam, fraud, identity theft, phone theft,
telephone bombs (Indonesia), used markets abuses (Asia), illegally trafficked
communication gateways (Egypt), new black markets in phone lines (Lebanon), new
ways to transmit pornography (all cultures), culturally inappropriate sexual content on
cell phones (Korea, Indonesia, France), gambling by text message (Indonesia), and
use of cell phones in prison breakouts and problems at penitentiaries (France).
Both state and religious transgressions are reportedly of concern. For example, there
is increased visual access through pictures sent via camera phone showing ritual
spaces or private occasions that were previously restricted. Mobile phone users in
Korea and Russia are concerned about wiretapping, and those in Brazil are concerned
about how mobile phones can expose peoples private networks; in Korea people are
concerned about being able to find a persons exact location.

MEDICAL PROBLEM WITH MOBILE PHONE USAGE

What are the medical problem associated with the mobile phone use?
There are a lot of people who think that mobile phones cause a great number of
diverse health problems. Whether this is true or not is mostly undetermined but fears
about health problems caused by mobile phones still have some people worried.
Here is a look at the several medical problems that some people are worried may be
caused by mobile phones.
Cancer
Despite numerous studies that indicate that there is no conclusive link between cancer
and the use of mobile phones, there are a lot of people who continue to express fears
that theyll contract some form of cancer if they use their mobile phones too much.
Basically people are concerned that the radiation emitted by phones is causing cancer
and various types of tumors. This has been an issue thats caused a lot of
controversy so there are a lot of scientists and medical experts who have looked into
it. The World Health Organization has even taken up the cause and concluded that
neither cell phones nor their base stations are cancer-causing. Nevertheless, there are
things that you can do to reduce your exposure to radiation (like keeping your phone
away from the body and using special hands-free devices to talk) that can reduce your
risk if this is something that concerns you.
Infertility
Another issue of major concern that has made a lot of headlines over the years is the
concern that mobile phones may be linked to infertility or reduced fertility. One study
last year showed that males who kept their cell phones turned on while the phones
were in their front pockets were likely to be reducing the quality of their sperm and
therefore affecting their fertility. The study turned out to be fairly inconclusive in
terms of the long-ranging effect of cell phones on fertility but it certainly was a cause
for concern for a lot of guys!

Sleep Disorders
Several studies have been conducted which look at the relationship between mobile
phone use and sleep disorders. A recent study showed that those people who use their
mobile phones shortly before going to bed will have a harder time unwinding and
falling asleep than those people who put their phones away earlier in the day. A
common problem found in people, particularly in teenagers, is that those people who
leave their phones on at night will be regularly woken up by calls and texts which
interrupts sleep and can cause a number of health problems. The solution to this one is
pretty easy, though: turn off your phone at night!
Mental Health Problems.
Is it possible that cell phones are making us crazy? Some people have reported a
number of different symptoms that indicate that mobile phones could be increasing
our mental health problems. Decreased attention span, increased anxiety and memory
loss are all problems that have been associated with increased mobile phone use. Few
of these problems have been proven to actually be linked with mobile phone use
though.
Cell Phone Elbow
One of the most recent health problems that mobile phones are accused of causing is
cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition known more widely as cell phone elbow.
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, it is apparently caused by the frequent and
repetitive use of the cell phone. It is said that the frequent bending of your elbow to
hold your mobile phone to your ear can affect a nerve in your arm that leads to
tingling sensations and reduced use of your hands. Less frequent use of your phone,
use of your phones speaker or a hands-free talking device and switching of your
hands when talking on the phone are all ways to combat this rising problem if indeed
it really exists.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations For The Federal Government
Require Pre-Market Mobile Phone Emissions Testing: The federal government
should test the emissions of existing and new cellular devices. Emissions and
anticipated absorption should be clearly labeled, as should the location of antennas on
each device so these areas could be held away from the body.
Set Exposure Standards to Protect Human Health: The federal government should
set exposure standards to protect human health. These standards should include an
adequate margin of safety for susceptible populations. This would require a new
statute that would assign implementation responsibility to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), an organization that already establishes standards for
exposure to radioactive materials. EPA is already responsible for monitoring and
enforcing limits for emissions of radioactive materials to the environment.
Conduct Scientific Studies to Determine Health Risks: The federal government
should be authorized by Congress to offer competitive grants to independent academic
researchers to examine the health effects associated with cellular technologies.
Prohibit Advertising to Children: The cell phone industry should be prohibited from
marketing their products, applications, and software to children.
Producer Lifecycle Responsibility: Producers of cell phone technologies should be
required by the federal government to identify the chemical content of their products.
Manufacturers should also be required to establish recycling programs to minimize
the release of these chemicals to the environment from landfills or incinerators.
Distributors of cell phone products should be required to accept old models, and
manufacturers should provide assurance that confidential data on older phones will be
destroyed.
Vehicle Accident and Cell Phone Use Reporting: The federal government should
require states to collect data on the use of cell phones within vehicles at the time of

accidents. These data are not collected by all states, so the role of cell phones as a
cause of vehicle accidents is currently underestimated.
Cumulative Exposure to RF Radiation: The federal government should evaluate
cumulative exposure to radio frequency radiation in pregnant women and children.
Devices that contribute to total exposure include cell phones, cordless DECT phones,
wireless handsets, wireless headsets, wireless routers, Bluetooth devices, wireless
alarm systems, etc.
Need for Low-Cost RF Measurement Device: The federal government should adopt
design standards for low-cost portable RF measurement devices that would permit
members of the public to monitor the presence and intensity of RF emissions within
their personal environments. Devices should be certified by the U.S. Department of
Energy to ensure that monitors operate with precision and consistency.
Recommendations For Individuals
Do Not Drive and Use Your Cell Phone: Driving while using cellular devices
greatly increases the likelihood of having an accident.
Use Speakerphones: Try to reduce the amount of time spent with the cellular device
held against your ear and head. Use a speakerphone, if possible, or a wired headset to
reduce your exposure to RF radiation.
Avoid Sleeping With Cellular Devices: Sleeping next to cell phones causes
unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic fields. The cell phone should be kept several
feet from the bed.
Carry Your Cell Phone Safely: While in standby mode, cell phones normally send
and receive signals. Carrying a cell phone in your pants or shirt pocket will emit
electromagnetic radiation to nearby tissues. Try to carry your cell phone away from
your body.

Learn the Emission Rating for Your Phones: Learn about the emissions and
antenna location for your phone. When purchasing cellular devices, consider the
relative emission levels of different brands and models, and be especially cautious if
you are providing children with access to the device, or if you are a woman of
childbearing age.
Avoid Psychological Dependency: Avoid cell dependency by checking and
responding to messages at pre-planned times.
Reduce Your Exposure to Other Wireless Radiation Sources: Learn about EMF
emissions from other wireless devices in your life, including computers, laptops,
routers, DECT phones, etc. Try to minimize your cumulative exposure to these
devices.Consider locating wireless devices away from bedrooms and turn off wireless
devices when not in use.

CONCLUSION
Redefining the way we communicate mobile phones has taken giant strides over the
years. From being a device, which keeps you connected, the mobile phones of today
have become an essential utility tool. With technological advancements mobile
phones today have become more feature packed and perform many functionalities in
tune with modern life style.
A fashion accessory, a travel companion, your business aide and an entertainer
- mobile phones have won the heart of people from all walks of life and have
undergone a complete makeover with its different facets and different meanings. Its
amazing to see a device becoming an all time companion of people, whoever he may
be.
Embracing new technology and adapting itself into the hectic lifestyle of mankind, the
gizmo has now gone sleek and stylish. Mobile phones today cater to the growing
needs of each individual and has given users the freedom of choice.
With such growing demand the competition has also gone fierce and today you have
popular brands like Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola and many others to choose from.
With each passing day, a new mobile phone model is launched. Each manufacturer
coming with his own version of mobile phones . Thousands other names each being
different from other and offering much functionality in a single device.
With mobile phones life has changed...for better and more towards better.

( 3557 words )

REFERENCES
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/are_cell_phones_safe_the_verdict_is_still_out/2300/
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-radiation2.htm
http://www.psrast.org/mobileng/mobilstarteng.htm
http://www.whale.to/b/philips6.html
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Mobile_phones_and_y
our_health
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/09/26/cell-phone-and-harmful-health_n_1916290.html