Cell Phones Linked to Weaker Bones

"Although small, the new study raises the possibility that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones could adversely affect bone mineralization. Larger follow-up studies will be needed to confirm or disprove this hypothesis, according to Dr Sravi. He suggests that studies may be warranted in women, who have higher rates of osteoporosis; and children, who would have longer expected lifetime exposure to cell phones."

Common thing weakening your bones
by Bel Marra Health, 4 May 2016

(A summary of the study from Argentina follows this article.)

Everywhere you look, someone is carrying around a cell phone – many people see these devices as extensions of themselves. Whether in your purse, in your hands, or in your pocket, a cell phone is always within arm’s reach in case a text message, an email, or a phone call comes in. It doesn’t really matter how old you are, cell phones span across generations.

In addition to the previous studies reporting that cell phones may be hazardous to our health, a recent small study found new evidence – this time, with regards to our bone health.

Cell phones linked to weaker bones



In a small study from Argentina, the researchers found that wearing a cell phone on your waist can contribute to weaker hip bones. The researchers measured bone mineral content and bone mineral density in the left and right hips of 24 men. The men carried their cell phones in a pouch on their belt for at least one year. Other 24 men who did not have cell phones were used in the study for comparison.

The two groups of men had similar bone mineral content and density measurements, but the men who carried their phones on their belt had lower bone mineral content in the right femoral neck – located at the top of the thigh bone.

The study also uncovered that cell phone carriers had lower bone mineral content and density in the right trochanter at the outside top of the thigh bone. Right and left trochanter differences were also dependent on the number of hours carrying the cell phone on the right side.

Study author Dr. Fernando D. Sravi said, “The different patterns of right-left asymmetry in femoral bone material found in mobile cellphone users and nonusers are consistent with a nonthermal effect of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves not previously described.”

According to the researchers, the findings reveal that long-term cell phone use is associated with loss of bone mineral content and density due to exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The researchers did caution that a larger study must be carried out to confirm their findings.

It may be wise to avoid keeping your cell phone close to your body for prolonged periods of time until further investigation into the issue.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/common-thing-weakening-your-bones/


Wearing phone on belt linked to decreased bone mineral density in the hip (March 24, 2011)

Electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones may adversely affect bone strength, suggests a study in the March Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

Men who routinely wear their cell phone on their belt on the right side have reduced bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the right hip, according to the study by Dr. Fernando D. Sravi of National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. He writes, "The different patterns of right-left asymmetry in femoral bone mineral found in mobile cell phone users and nonusers are consistent with a nonthermal effect of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves not previously described."

Carrying Cell Phone on Belt Linked to Lower Hip Bone Density

Dr. Sravi measured BMC and BMD at the left and right hip in two groups of healthy men: 24 men who did not use cell phones and 24 men who carried their cell phone in a belt pouch, on the right side, for at least one year. Measured using a test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, BMC and BMD are standard markers of bone strength.

Average hip BMC and BMD measurements were not significantly different between groups. However, men who did not use cell phones had higher BMC in the right femoral neck (near the top of the thigh bone): a normal left-right difference that was absent in cell phone users. Thus men who wore their cell phones on the right side had a relative reduction in femoral neck BMC in that hip.

The cell phone users also had reduced BMD and BMC at the right trochanter—an area at the outside top of the thigh bone, close to where the phone would be worn on the belt. The difference between the left and right trochanters was significantly related to the estimated total hours spent carrying a cell phone.

There are concerns about several potential harmful effects of cellular phones. However, few studies have looked at whether electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones could affect bone mineralization. With the rapid growth in cell phone use, any significant effect on BMD could have a substantial effect on the osteoporosis rate in the population.

Although small, the new study raises the possibility that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones could adversely affect bone mineralization. Larger follow-up studies will be needed to confirm or disprove this hypothesis, according to Dr Sravi. He suggests that studies may be warranted in women, who have higher rates of osteoporosis; and children, who would have longer expected lifetime exposure to cell phones.

http://wolterskluwer.com/company/newsroom/news/2011/03/cell-phone-exposure-may-cause-bone-weakening-study-suggests.html