JAKARTA - The use of mobile phones has become an inseparable part of daily life. From waking up to going back to rest, almost all activities involve this small screen. No wonder there is concern, whether radiation from HP can harm health, to trigger cancer?
This issue is once again being widely discussed after US Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voiced his concerns about the impact of mobile phone and 5G network radiation on human health. However, what is the latest scientific view?
It is true that mobile phones emit radiation, specifically radio frequency (radiofrequency/RF) radiation. However, this type of radiation is non-ionizing radiation, i.e. low-energy radiation that is different from harmful radiation such as X-rays.
According to the National Cancer Institute, concerns about cell phones arise from two things, namely cell phones emit radiation (even though it is low) and the high duration of use by the public.
However, it is important to understand that RF radiation is also found in many other devices such as televisions, microwaves, and Wi-Fi. So this exposure is not only from mobile phones.
The biggest concern is usually related to brain cancer, because cell phones are often used near the head. However, according to experts, the type of radiation that has been proven to cause cancer is ionizing radiation, not radiation from cell phones.
"Ionizing radiation is able to damage cell DNA and increase the risk of cancer. This radiation is found in X-rays and radioactive materials, not in cell phones," said Dr. Herbert Newton, a neuro-oncologist, quoted from the Men's Health page.
Meanwhile, a large study funded by the World Health Organization in 2024 with nearly 5,000 participants showed no link between cell phone use and an increased risk of brain cancer, even in long-term users.
This is also in line with the views of other major health agencies which state that current scientific evidence does not support a direct link between mobile phone radiation and cancer.
In addition to mobile phones, mobile towers are also often the target of concerns. However, the same study also found that the presence of mobile towers does not increase the risk of cancer in the surrounding community.
In other words, neither the use of mobile phones nor exposure to network infrastructure has been proven to be harmful in the context of cancer.
Even though it has not been proven to cause cancer, it does not mean that using a mobile phone is completely risk-free.
Dr. Karishama Patwa, a cardiologist, confirmed that to date there is no strong evidence linking mobile phone radiation to heart disease. However, he also reminded that many studies still have limitations.
"The risk that is actually more real is screen addiction, sleep disorders, neck, shoulder, and back pain, eye fatigue, and increased symptoms of anxiety and depression." said Patwa.
If you still want to reduce radiation exposure, there are some simple steps such as:
- Use a speaker or earphone when making a call
- Avoid sticking the phone too long in the ear
- Limit screen time
- Keep the device away from the body when not in use
But more important is to control the duration of use, not just worry about radiation.
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