Do cell phones really emit waves that affect the brain?

We use our phones every day and hear countless warnings about the effects of waves on the brain. How many of these are true and what does current science say?

Do phones emit waves that affect users?

The story of cell phone waves affecting the brain is not new, but it has never ceased to be controversial. From fears of static electricity, radiation, to rumors of neurological disorders, users are still caught between the fragile boundary of science and a sense of insecurity.

Cell phone waves from a scientific perspective

Cell phones rely on radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation used to transmit signals. These waves are different from X-rays or gamma rays because they are non-ionizing, meaning they do not have enough energy to damage the DNA in cells. However, holding the device close to the head for long periods of time has led many to question whether the energy emitted could affect the brain.

Since the late 1990s, when mobile phones began to become popular, the first warnings about radiation risks appeared. Some small-scale studies had recorded a slight increase in the rate of neuromas in regular phone users, although no direct link was proven. The media at the time fueled widespread concerns, turning the phone into a convenient and controversial item.

Concerns have grown as international health agencies have urged caution, saying more time is needed to assess the long-term effects. The question of whether the radiation from mobile phones affects brain function has been unresolved for decades.

When science speaks

Over the past two decades, a series of major studies have been conducted to find answers to the question of whether mobile phone radiation can harm the brain. One of them is the Interphone project, conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in collaboration with 13 countries, announced in 2010.

The results showed no clear evidence that phone use increased the risk of brain tumors, although the group of extremely high-frequency users showed signs of higher risk, but not enough strength to conclude cause and effect.

In the US, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has also been tracking brain cancer trends for more than 20 years and has not recorded a significant increase in parallel with the explosion of mobile phones.

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently classifies radio waves from phones as “possibly carcinogenic,” similar to coffee or pickled vegetables, meaning more long-term data is needed to determine the true impact.

In general, the scientific community agrees that cell phone waves are low-energy, not strong enough to damage DNA or cause cell mutations. However, prolonged exposure and high frequency of use still make many experts recommend that users should proactively limit holding their heads close to their heads for long periods of time, both to reduce wave absorption and to help protect hearing.

Understand correctly to feel more secure

Health experts say that instead of worrying, users should understand the true nature of cell phone waves. The amount of radio radiation emitted by the device is thousands of times lower than the level that can affect the body. Most cell phone models must pass strict Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) tests before being sold on the market.

If there is a real concern, it is not the waves, but the habit of using the phone continuously for a long time. Staring at the screen for too long, staying up late or daily information overload can affect the nervous system more clearly than any type of radiation.

After years of debate, cell phone waves may not be the brain's "invisible enemy," but a reminder that humans need to use technology within limits.

THANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dien-thoai-co-that-su-phat-ra-song-gay-anh-huong-den-nao-20251106181921696.htm