On the sidelines of a regional conference on Radio Science at Symbiosis International University’s Lavale Campus, some eminent scientists and researchers discussed the need for research to measure the effects of such radiation on human bodies. Also Read - Media multitasking can lead to obesity
The group of medical and radio astronomy researchers said that there was not much research done on the effects of cell phone radiation on human bodies so far. Since the use of electromagnetic instruments was increasing by the day, there was a need for an interdisciplinary study and find out a possible solution, they said.
‘To date, there is no reliable procedure or device to measure the cell phones radiation. There is an urgent need for such a deep study on the subject,’ Prof J Behari of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Vikass Monebhurrum from Supelec Institute Paris, France, who is currently working on the same subject, said that a conclusive study has been done in which it has been proved that there are harmful effects of radiation on the human body, and now there was a need to analyse the aspects in deep. (Read: Are mobile phones and tablets ruining your child’s development?)
‘In UK and USA, the researchers have already started working on the issue and it is good that India has now started thinking of extensive research in the field,’ he said.
He said that all the nations should come together to do the research in this field to bring the harmonisation of the standards.
An internationally renowned radio astronomer and one of the pioneers of radio astronomy, Govind Swaroop said that though there is no conclusive study on the harmful effects of radiation on human bodies, it is advisory to use the phone for 30 minutes at a stretch and four hours in a day.
‘It is also advisable for the people to use hands free because if the cell phone is used directly, it can affect the brain as brain has several magnetic aspects,’ he said.
Dr Rashmi Mathur, AIIMS, New Delhi, said that the effects on the human bodies, it vary from person to person. ‘It may be different for infants, children, pregnant women, old people, people with certain ailments,’ she said. It is yet to study that the radiation has any harmful effect on the human bodies and need further detain research.
Symbiosis to facilitate research centre
In order to facilitate platform for research on possible mobile phone radiation, Symbiosis International University has decided to set up a research centre in the city to carry out extensive study. The centre will be set up under the mentorship of Dr Govind Swaroop, an internationally renowned radio astronomer and one of the pioneers of radio astronomy. (Read: Can electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers harm you?)
‘We have decided to set up a unique centre where people from medical, radio science and engineering field will come together and conduct the research that will measure the effects of radiation on human bodies and also will give possible solutions,’ said Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, principal director, Symbiosis Society.
Source: DNA/Sandip Kolhatkar
