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Some claims are often cited but seldom proved. Cell phones cause health hazards is one such claim we’ve all been hearing for as many years as we’ve been using the hand
held device. Here’s the latest: The World Health Organisation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have declared that “radiofrequency electromagnetic
fields of a cell phone are possibly carcinogenic to humans.” In simpler terms, your favourite phone with its much touted features (9 megapixel camera, voice recording, blue tooth and the works) probably slow cooks your brain and may cause Glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. Well, the operative word here is 'may' since there are no concrete studies to prove that cell phones cause cancer. However, what is known are the grave environmental hazards cell phones cause once they end up in landfills. While some toxic parts enter the air, others pollute soil and water, especially after being burnt by recyclers. Toxicity in cell phones Plastic Found in: Almost all parts Environmental hazards:Far too many! Lead Found in: Circuit boards Can cause cancer and affect the kidneys and nervous, immune, and endocrine systems Brominated Flame Retardants (Prevents phone from catching fire) Found in: Circuit boards, plastic housing and cables Harmful to health and environment Cadmium Found in: Batteries Can cause lung and liver damage; an environmental hazard when burned or dumped in a landfill. Beryllium-copper alloys Provide flexibility and strength Can cause cancer, thyroid problems and disruptions in the endocrine system So, how are phones disposed? Want the latest Blackberry? What happens to your old phone? Mostly, nothing, right? Did you know substances such as lead and copper can be salvaged and used to reassemble another instrument? The process by which an equipment is reverted to a raw material is called downcycling but it is tedious and there are no incentives to go through with it. A law that will hold the producers responsible for the collection and appropriate disposal of e-waste has been on the anvil for a while now. The law will also regulate recyclers and collection centres. Let’s keep a vigil on when the law sees the light of the day! Prevention is better than cure  Don't cuddle up to your cellphone while sleeping)
Use hands-free devices – keep the instrument at a distance
If you want to simply share some information, send a text message
Try not to use the mobile in basements, elevators and rural areas – weaker the signal, harder it has to work to connect to a cellular tower, resulting in more
radiation
Don't give phones to children and young adults – their skulls and scalps are thinner. It is easier for radiation to penetrate.
Check the web for radiation levels of specific instruments before making a purchase
Putting a phone together 1. 'The Brain': Printed wiring board Plastics and fibre glass provide the basic structure of the board Copper circuits and
wires enable coordination between various parts Final coating is done with lead 2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Liquid crystal is pressed inside several layers of glass or plastic
3. Battery A liquid substance called electrolytes floats between two electrodes When electricity is passed, the ensuing chemical reaction powers the batteryAn average cell phone contains: Plastics: 45% Printed wiring board: 40% Liquid crystal display (LCD): 4% Magnesium plate: 3% Metals: 8% (Including lead, iron, copper and zinc) (Excluding battery, keypad, microphone, speaker and antenna) Some reuse options: Leaded glass can find its way into car batteries and lead wheel weights, or to process raw lead ore Smelters can make use of copper, palladium, silver and tin |
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