CAIRO: If you have a headache, feel tired and dizzy, then it's probably the side effect of using the mobile for over 30 minutes. Some scientists claim that radio frequency radiations (RFR), generated by mobile phones, have many side effects. Others strongly disagree. The Doctors' Syndicate held a conference on Tuesday to discuss the effects of the extensive use of mobile phones, namely RFR. Symptoms like headaches and migraines, fatigue, skin itches and sensation of warmth and less commonly dizziness may appear after 30 minutes of using the mobile phone, said Dr Nasr Radwan, who has spoke against the use of cellular phones. However, Dr Shawki Hadad, the syndicate vice president, said there is no proof yet that the use of cellular phones can have a harmful effect on the brain. But Radwan said experiments proved otherwise. We conducted an experiment on rats in which their brains were subjected to RFR. And it showed that after four months the effect was increasing. Hadad said that some individual experimental studies have suggested that radio frequencies could initiate tumor formation or promote the growth of transplanted tumors. Yet, nothing has been proven beyond doubt, he added. Hussein Khaled, a professor of medical oncology, agrees with Hadad. France, Australia, New Zealand and the Nordic countries all agreed that no type of cancer is caused by cell phone radiation. Other participants didn't blame the devices as much as the users. We need to change our culture of using mobile phones, just get to the point without the big introduction at the beginning, said Dr Hamdy El Sayed, the head of the doctors' syndicate. But other participants were more concerned with the effects of network stations erected all over the country. Cairo is home to about 1,400 stations. Dr Bahnasi Nossir, from the national communication institution, said, With the consent of [Prime Minister] Ahmed Nazif we traveled to Europe to sign a protocol, which was accredited by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication and Ministry of Environmental Affairs, in which we revised all the international conditions that suit the Egyptian environment. Nossir confirmed that there is absolutely no harm for the residents of the buildings on whose roofs the stations are erected, because the RFR are directed upward. There is a hotline that is provided by the National Communication Institution for any complains or concerns about nearby stations so they can examine its surroundings to make sure that it s safe. Radwan said, Some studies in the most recent reviews added new evidence for the occurrence of adverse change, including lack of concentration, poor memory, changes in sleep patterns as well as loss of appetite and decreased libido. However, Radwan added that response from the central nervous system to the RFR depends on the intensity, exposure duration and the number of exposure episodes. As for the children, more precautions should be taken. Thus, it s recommended that mobiles are better switched off in schools and other gathering places. Children are more likely to be affected by these radiations because their nervous system and immune system are undeveloped, said Dr Medhat El Mesiery, a professor of biomedical engineering. World health organization (WHO) recommended the use of free handsets and Bluetooth because they are safer for long phone calls. Conclusion based on overall scientific evidence; there is no substantial established risk to health, added Hadad.
