Cell Phone Radiation Dangerous for Body Health? This is What Experts Say

ILLUSTRATION/Pexels//Shvets Production

JAKARTA - Radiation from mobile phones is often associated with serious health risks, such as cancer. However, recent research shows that these concerns have not been supported by strong scientific evidence.

Experts say mobile phones do emit radio frequency radiation (radiofrequency radiation). This type of radiation includes low-energy radiation and is also found in other household devices, such as televisions, microwaves, and Wi-Fi.

Many people think that because the phone is used close to the head, it can trigger cancer. However, the radiation that has been proven to damage DNA and trigger cancer is ionizing radiation, which is much stronger than the radiation from the phone.

This is evidenced by various studies that have been conducted to look at the relationship between cell phone use and cancer risk. One of the large studies funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024 involved nearly 5 thousand participants.

The results of the study showed no relationship between cell phone use and increased risk of brain cancer. This finding also applies to people who use cell phones in the long term, even more than 10 years.

"This is the most comprehensive study ever conducted, and the results are good news that cellphones do not automatically cause brain tumors," said neuro-oncologist, Dr. Herbert Newton.

In addition to cancer, mobile phone radiation is also associated with heart disease. However, experts also assess that the relationship has not been supported by strong scientific evidence.

A cardiologist, Dr. Karishama Patwa, said current data do not show a causal relationship between mobile phone radiation and cardiovascular disease.

"The evidence currently available does not support a direct relationship between mobile phone radiation and heart disease," he said.

Although mobile phone radiation is relatively safe, experts warn that excessive use of mobile phones still has health risks. The main focus should not be on radiation, but on excessive use of mobile phones.

Long-term screen exposure can cause eye fatigue, neck pain, and posture disorders. Excessive mobile phone use is also associated with an increased risk of stress, anxiety, and depression, so its use should be limited.