Rats exposed to radiation emanating from mobile phones had damaged DNA and a lower sperm count. This resulted in infertility and reduced the size of the testis. The Union Health Ministry is keen on finding out whether excessive use of cell phones could affect health adversely.

This study, focusing on the effects of radio frequency radiation emanating from mobile phones on humans, is the first of its kind on a large scale in India. Apart from the Union Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research has completed the finalization of protocol. Also the Jawahar Lal Nehru University School of Environmental Sciences and the obstetrics and gynaecology, biochemistry and neurology are conducting it.

The study will measure the wavelength and frequency of RFD that is emitted from different types of cell phones, which are in use in India in order to assess whether they meet up to international standards. The study will also observe the effect of RFR on neurological disorders such as cognitive impairment, depression and sleep-related disorders.

Scientists would like to ascertain whether the excessive use of mobile phone affects the white matter of the brain and also leads to physiological abnormalities. The study will also look into the effect of RFR on reproductive health like menstrual cycle, hormonal changes in women, its effect on the reproductive functions and whether abnormalities in the reproductive tract of males is caused by it.

Dr. R.S.Sharma, deputy director general as well as lead investigator, said that the study will ascertain whether cancerous cells can spread by the excessive use of mobile phones or whether it can cause cancer

Source: TOI June 11,2008