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Do
Cellular Phones lead to Bone Weakening?
Newswise — Wearing a cell phone on your belt may lead to
decreased bone density in an area of the
pelvis that is commonly used for bone
grafts, according to a study in the
September issue of The Journal of
Craniofacial Surgery, under the editorship
of Mutaz B. Habal, MD, FRCSC.
With long-term exposure, electromagnetic fields from cell
phones could weaken the bone, potentially
affecting the outcomes of surgical
procedures using bone grafts, according to
the new study by Dr. Tolga Atay and
colleagues of Suleyman Demirel University,
Isparta, Turkey.
Bone Density Slightly Reduced on
Side Where Cell Phone Is Worn
The researchers measured bone density at the
upper rims of the pelvis (iliac wings) in
150 men who were cell phone users and
carried their phones on their belts.
The measurements were performed using a technique called
dual x-ray absorptiometry—the same test used
to measure bone density in patients with
osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Bone density was compared on the side where the men wore
their phones (the right side in 122 men and
the left side in 28) versus the opposite
side. The men carried their phones for an
average of 15 hours per day, and had used
cell phones for an average of 6 years.
The results showed a slight reduction in
iliac wing bone density on the side where
the men carried their phones. The difference
was not statistically significant, and did
not approach the reductions seen in
osteoporosis. However, the researchers point
out that the men were relatively
young—average 32 years—and that further bone
weakening may occur with longer follow-up.
The results raise the possibility that bone density could
be adversely affected by electromagnetic
fields emitted by cell phones. Studies are
evaluating the use of electromagnetic fields
as a treatment to increase bone density in
osteoporosis. However, those studies have
used very low frequencies of 15 to 52 MHz.
In contrast, the men in the new study
carried cell phones with frequencies of 900
to 1,800 MHz.
The ilac wings are a widely used source of bone for bone
grafting, so any reduction in bone density
may be of special importance to
reconstructive surgery. At least in
procedures where bone density is important
for good outcomes, surgeons may want to
consider the possible effects of exposure to
electromagnetic fields from cell phones.
The researchers emphasize that their findings are
preliminary. Coming generations of mobile
technology may lead to the development of
new cell phones with lower exposure to
electromagnetic fields. Meanwhile, Dr. Atay
and colleagues conclude, "It would be better
to keep mobile phones as far as possible
from our body during our daily lives."
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