Mobile radiation: ICMR study's initial findings indicate biological changes

New Delhi: Wait for 2-3 years more to be sure whether the cellphone besides the pillow can cause brain cancer, long usage ENT impairment or infertility when kept in pant pocket as the initial findings of a study that is being conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) indicates possibility of biological changes in the body due to radio frequency radiation.

The startling revelation came to light during an interaction with Radhe Shyam Sharma, who is heading a study being conducted by ICMR on the impact of radio frequency radiations on humans.

According to Sharma, the initial findings of the study point out certain biological changes in both humans and animals due to radiations.

Agreeing with Sharma's views, ICMR's Director General Balram Bhargava said, "It suggests certain restrictions and not complete barring of the usage of mobile phones, towers. Let the study get completed before drawing any final conclusions."

Elaborating about the ongoing research, Sharma said, "Given that the study is in the initial stage and the government has extended its completion period, so wait for another 2-3 years to get final results. The research is going on as per the compliance with global standards, so the findings of the study would also be of that level".

"The initial findings are based on the reports of 2 years, which is not enough to draw a final conclusion about the impact of radiations on the human body. Wait for some more years to get the final picture, instead of jumping the guns," Sharma said.

The departments of neurology, obstetrics and gynaecology have been asked to investigate the health hazards of excessive mobile phone use, Sharma said, adding that the department of obstetrics and gynaecology would examine the possible effect of the

radiation on the menstrual cycle of female users by studying their hormonal profile, blood cells.

In contrary to the views of present office-bearers, former ICMR DG MV Katoch had said that mobile phones and towers when in use emit large quantities of radio frequency radiation and exposure to such radiations is not good for health.