Electronics Radiation
Written By Tommy Li and Jerry Lau
Radiation is always around us and it is nearly impossible to escape exposure from it unless you surround yourself in a Faraday cage at all times. However not all pervasive radiation is manmade; we are surrounded by natural radiation from around the earth and radiation from space. Our bodies have adapted to this radiation over time. Nevertheless, the biggest threat to our health is manmade radiation, which must be regulated and observed at all times by government agencies.
In the United States, the governing regulatory body, the FDA carries out an electronic product radiation control program mandated by the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (1). The FDA has a designated department, Center of for Devices and Radiological Health, which tests electronic products and ensures that radiation emissions do not pose hazards to the public. One example of an emission standard is the one posed on television sets. The federal standard for television receivers is that they mustn't emit x-radiation over 0.5 milliroentgen per hour (mR/hr). Any television receivers that are found not to be in compliance with this standard are destroyed if not exported in ninety days (2).
But why were these standards put in place? Scientists have not found any identified specific health effects in humans from exposure to low levels of radiation over extended periods of time. However it is thought that there is not a minimum level of x radiation where it won’t negatively affect peoples’ health. With this in mind, the United States decided to put the standard as having the lowest amount of radiation emission as possible in electronic products (2).
There are many different types of manmade radiation. Human society has created many sources of radiation. First, the ionizing electromagnetic radiation from television receivers, accelerators, and X- ray machines from industrial, medical, research, and educational fields has influenced many of our lives. Second, particulate radiation and ionizing electromagnetic radiation from electron microscopes and neutron generators is non-negligible. Third, ultraviolet from biochemical and medical analyzers, tanning and therapeutic lamps, sanitizing and sterilizing devices, black light sources, and welding equipment is always a problem. The process of ionization can alter molecules within the human cells and may cause eventual harm like cancer. Intense and excessive exposures to ionizing radiation may lead to skin or tissue damage. Moreover, visible white light devices transmit radiation. And infrared lights and microwaves from alarm systems, diathermy units, and dryers, ovens, and heaters are inescapable (2). Modulated microwave radiation causes periodic alteration of the neurophysiologic parameters and parametric excitation of brain bioelectric oscillations (3). In addition, sonics and ultrasonics from sound amplification equipment and cleaners are a big part of manmade radiation.
Electronics play an essential part in our daily life. People living in the 21st century cannot run a day without them, so is the radiation. Although the government regulates radiation emitting electronic products, the purpose of them being made is driven by human nature and needs. Humans tend to create a problem in order to solve another problem. Looking forward and developing new strategies and technologies seem to be the only way out.
References:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/classify-your-medical-device/does-product-emit-radiation
Hiie Hinrikus, Maie Bachmann, Jaanus Lass. (2018) Understanding physical mechanism of low-level microwave radiation effect. International Journal of Radiation Biology 94:10, 877-882. https://www-tandfonline-com.jerome.stjohns.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/15368378.2016.1251451?journalCode=iebm20
The debate over whether radiation exposure leads to cancer has been a topic of considerable discussion for many years. Various forms of radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, have long been examined for their potential carcinogenic effects. Natural sources such as radon gas, as well as man-made sources like cell phone towers, power lines, and various electrical devices, contribute to the spectrum of radiation that people are exposed to daily. The complexity of understanding the exact relationship between radiation and cancer risk remains a significant challenge in the scientific community, as researchers strive to unravel the nuances of this critical health concern.
The evidence that X-rays and gamma rays can cause cancer comes from various significant sources. Studies of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, individuals exposed during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and workers exposed to high levels of radiation, such as uranium miners, have all contributed to our understanding. Much of what we know about the cancer risks associated with radiation is based on extensive research conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombs in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These studies revealed that this population had higher risks of certain cancers, though not all. The increased risks were particularly notable for most types of leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia), multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer (excluding rectal cancer), esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, and skin cancer (excluding melanoma).
Some studies have estimated the risk of radiation exposure from imaging tests based on the risks observed in atomic bomb survivors. However, studying cancer risks from imaging tests that use radiation is challenging. A study would need to include tens of thousands of people and follow them for decades, as cancers caused by radiation take many years to develop. Studies that have found an increased risk of cancer after imaging tests involving radiation often focus on individuals who have undergone numerous imaging tests or high-dose procedures.
For instance, research has shown that women who underwent frequent fluoroscopic imaging as teens or young adults during tuberculosis treatment have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Similarly, teens and young women who had multiple spinal X-rays to monitor scoliosis have also been found to have an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, people with meningioma, a usually benign brain tumor, are more likely to have had certain types of dental X-rays annually. Some studies suggest a link between higher doses of radiation from CT scans in children and increased risks of leukemia and brain tumors, although the overall risk remains low.
Cell phones emit a form of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves, which has raised concerns about their safety. The primary worry is whether cell phones might increase the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck area. RF waves from cell phones lack the energy needed to directly damage DNA or heat body tissues. Consequently, it remains unclear how cell phones could potentially cause cancer. Some studies have observed possible increased rates of certain tumors in lab animals exposed to RF radiation. However, the results of these studies have not yet provided definitive answers.
The INTERPHONE study, the largest case-control study to date, investigated cell phone use among over 5,000 individuals who developed brain tumors (gliomas or meningiomas) and a comparable group without tumors. Overall, the study found no connection between brain tumor risk and the frequency of calls, duration of calls, or long-term cell phone use. There was a slight indication of an increased risk of glioma and a smaller suggestion of an increased risk of meningioma among the top 10% of cell phone users. However, this finding was difficult to interpret due to some participants reporting implausibly high cell phone usage. The researchers emphasized that the study's limitations prevented them from drawing firm conclusions and highlighted the need for further research.
Additionally, another segment of the INTERPHONE study compared over 1,000 people with acoustic neuromas to more than 2,000 matched controls without tumors. Similar to the findings for gliomas and meningiomas, there was no overall link between cell phone use and acoustic neuromas. Again, a potential increased risk was noted in the top 10% of cell phone users, but the interpretation was complicated by reports of unrealistically high usage. Although the INTERPHONE study did not find a definitive link between cell phone use and brain tumors, the potential risks for heavy users require more research to provide clearer answers. The current evidence underscores the need for continued investigation into the long-term health effects of cell phone radiation.
References:
Do cell phones cause cancer?: Cellphones and cancer. Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? | Cellphones and Cancer | American Cancer Society. (n.d.-a). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html
Do X-rays and Gamma Rays cause cancer?. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/x-rays-gamma-rays/do-xrays-and-gamma-rays-cause-cancer.html
Committee on the Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities-Phase I. (2012, March 29). Radiation as a carcinogen. Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities: Phase I. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202000/