Radiation: experts suggest curb over use of mobile phones
Mumbai: How safe are we from radiations? We see, read and listen a lot about radiation, how much of this information is a myth or truth? Do mobile towers cause cancer? What are the safety norms and regulations of mobile towers and what are the scientists and engineers doing to make these systems risk free?
These are some of the fundamental questions that each one of us face. To address these questions and to educate and inform students, public and the media, the Nehru Science Centre in association with the Press Club, Mumbai, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd organised a panel discussion on “Radiations : Myths and Realities” on Thursday. The panel consisted of a galaxy of scientists, social scientists and activists including celebrity Juhi Chawla.
The lively discussion that ensued touched upon various forms of radiation, with a special focus on mobile phone radiation. Experts with opposing view points argued about effects that mobile phone radiation can have on people.
Dr. Girish Kumar, Professor at IIT Bombay said ‘living close to mobile towers is like being in a life size microwave”.
The panel of experts also highlighted dangers of overusing a mobile phone. The World Health Organization Fact Sheet 2011 states that a person using mobile phone 30-40 cms away from his body while texting and using internet will have reduced exposure to radio-frequency fields than someone holding the handset close.
The WHO also advocates greater use of hands-free devices, as they help keep the mobile phone away from head and body during phone calls. Exposure is also reduced by limiting the number and length of calls. Using the mobile phone in areas of good reception also reduces exposure as it allows phone to transmit at reduced power.
While actor Juhi Chawla and activist Prakash Munshi highlighted the health hazards resulting from indiscriminate installation of mobile towers, Dr. Anand Gokani, consulting physician, Bombay Hospital, spoke about precautions to be taken to avoid these health hazards.
Dr. Meenakshi Thakur of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, spoke about radiation diagnosis, nuclear medicines and safety issues.
While activists called for more stringent regulations on mobile phone transmission, Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, former chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, said that the pros of nuclear radiation often outweigh the cons.
“Radiation can cure an ailing cancer patient but the problem lies in overexposure,” he said.
Veteran journalist and President of the Press Club, Mumbai Gurbir Singh moderated the discussion.
These are some of the fundamental questions that each one of us face. To address these questions and to educate and inform students, public and the media, the Nehru Science Centre in association with the Press Club, Mumbai, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd organised a panel discussion on “Radiations : Myths and Realities” on Thursday. The panel consisted of a galaxy of scientists, social scientists and activists including celebrity Juhi Chawla.
The lively discussion that ensued touched upon various forms of radiation, with a special focus on mobile phone radiation. Experts with opposing view points argued about effects that mobile phone radiation can have on people.
Dr. Girish Kumar, Professor at IIT Bombay said ‘living close to mobile towers is like being in a life size microwave”.
The panel of experts also highlighted dangers of overusing a mobile phone. The World Health Organization Fact Sheet 2011 states that a person using mobile phone 30-40 cms away from his body while texting and using internet will have reduced exposure to radio-frequency fields than someone holding the handset close.
The WHO also advocates greater use of hands-free devices, as they help keep the mobile phone away from head and body during phone calls. Exposure is also reduced by limiting the number and length of calls. Using the mobile phone in areas of good reception also reduces exposure as it allows phone to transmit at reduced power.
While actor Juhi Chawla and activist Prakash Munshi highlighted the health hazards resulting from indiscriminate installation of mobile towers, Dr. Anand Gokani, consulting physician, Bombay Hospital, spoke about precautions to be taken to avoid these health hazards.
Dr. Meenakshi Thakur of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, spoke about radiation diagnosis, nuclear medicines and safety issues.
While activists called for more stringent regulations on mobile phone transmission, Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, former chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, said that the pros of nuclear radiation often outweigh the cons.
“Radiation can cure an ailing cancer patient but the problem lies in overexposure,” he said.
Veteran journalist and President of the Press Club, Mumbai Gurbir Singh moderated the discussion.
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