Naomi Jamieson

Bachelor of Mass Communication (majors Public Relations & Media and Communication)

Second Year

Queensland University of Technology

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Mobile Communications

Related Topics:

1. cancer
2. motor vehicle accidents
3. children
4. social etiquette
5. social costs

Naomi 14:55, 7 Sep 2004 (EST)

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ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Topic: The Use of Mobile Phones and its Health Implications

BOOKS

Ashton, J. and Laura, R. (1999) The Perils of Progress: The Health and Environment Hazards of Modern Technology, and What You Can Do About Them, London; New York: Zed Books Ltd, ISBN 1856496961.

This book provides an exceptional look into the negative aspects discovered in some of the most convenient and commonly used technologies in today's society. These include technologies relating to food, the environment, water and electricity. Specifically, chapter three: Mobile Phones and UHF TV Microwaves: How to Minimize the Risks, looks at identifying the health problems caused by radiated magnetic fields from mobile phones and how the human body is often referred to as an 'antenna' of these fields. It further explores microwaves and its effects on cancer growth and provides useful graphs including one that shows the relationship between magnetic field intensity and the distance these fields are from the earpiece region of mobile phones. The chapter also offers a very useful 'What You Can Do' section regarding mobile phone base stations and what the ordinary person can do to reduce the chances of encountering health problems now and/or later in life. Chapter six, Surviving Technology, offers an overall glance at ways to get back to good health and how people should go about it. Lastly, found at the end of the book, is a substantial list of references for each chapter and provides more resources for referral in regards to the issue.

BROCHURES

Australian Communications Authority (2001) Mobile Phones: Your Health and Regulation of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation, Melbourne: Australian Communications Authority.

This 15-page brochure provides a thorough look into the substantial scientific research existing to explain the present philosophy and opinions on the issue of mobile phones and its connection with radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR or RF). It is divided into useful and easy-to-follow sections including one which provides helpful information on what the Australian Government is currently doing about RF and the program they are funding to assist their research. The brochure introduces the biological effects caused by RF and standards that are in place to protect the public from its known effects. It proves a wonderful resource in providing helpful advice to the general public on their legal rights in regards to mobile phone towers near residential property and the hazards that can happen because of its proximity. The Australian Communications Authority (ACA), the author of the publication, states their approach to the regulation of RF and answers questions in regards to whether mobile phones are really safe. The brochure lastly informs the reader of the RF limits to which mobile phones must adhere to and provides a useful and comprehensive list of further resources that can be explored for more information about the issue.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Blakemore, C., and Koivisto, M., and Maier, M. (2000) "The Health Hazards of Mobile Phones," British Medical Journal, vol.320, no.7245, pp. 1288-1290., retrieved August 9, 2004.

This article lists a number of ‘tantalizing’ research findings in humans due to the use of mobiles; however, studies have not shown whether these effects have negative implications for human health. The article interestingly elaborates on using reactions in mice and rats to predict how humans may be affected and concludes with results from an independent group about motor vehicle accidents being the only certain harmful result caused by mobile phones.

Carlberg, M., and Hardell, L., and Mild, K.H. (2002) "Case-Control Study on the Use of Cellular and Cordless Phones and the Risk for Malignant Brain Tumours," International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol.78, no.10, pp.931-936., retrieved August 10, 2004.

This article provides the noteworthy results of a study that took place in Sweden researching the use of cellular and cordless phones and the risk for malignant brain tumours. The case-control study involved 649 patients who had been previously diagnosed with malignant brain tumours. The article discloses the main finding from the study which relates to ipsilateral (same side) use of analogue cellular phones.

Mitchell, A.R.J., and Myerson, S.G. (2003) "Mobile Phones in Hospitals," British Medical Journal, vol.326, no.7387, pp.460-462., retrieved August 9, 2004.

This article provides a perceptive look at the pros and cons of mobile phones in hospitals. It argues for limitations on the use of mobile phones due to the health and consideration of sick and ill patients; however, it also justifies why this technology should not be excluded completely. The article draws upon several reasons and explanations for why mobile phones are missed and dismissed in hospitals and provides some solutions to how they can be appropriately and correctly used to cater to everyone’s needs.

Rothman, K.J. (2000) "Epidemiological Evidence on Health Risks of Cellular Telephones," The Lancet, vol.356, no.9244, pp.1837-1840., retrieved August 9, 2004.

This article provides a detailed exploration of the epidemiological evidence available on the relationship between brain tumours and cellular telephones. It offers readers an overall understanding of how radiofrequency (RF) exposure (emitted by mobile phones) may affect and cause damage to the brain. The article also divulges into motor vehicle collisions and how the mobile phone itself is perhaps a greater threat, than RF exposure, to human life because of its capacity to distract whilst driving.

Sheehan, M.O. (2004) "The Ubiquitous Cell Phone," World Watch, vol.17, no.3, pp.2., retrieved August 12, 2004.

This article looks at investigating the health and social costs of mobile phones as well as it provides an insight into the manufacturing of mobile phones and the raw materials used. Some of the irritating and rude social aspects of the mobile phone are also mentioned including when they ring and can interrupt theatres, meetings and the peaceful or sophisticated dining experience in restaurants.

Wright, D.E. (1998) "Is New Technology a Hazard to Our Health? A Case Study of Mobile Phones," Australian Science Teachers Journal, vol.44, no.1, pp.30-35., retrieved August 9, 2004.

This article identifies issues regarding the public’s understanding of science and specifically dwells on the safety of mobile phones as a prime example. It provides information in regards to where ordinary citizens are able to find information about mobile phone safety such as AUSTEL and Standards Australia. The article mainly focuses on shaping a ‘scientifically literate society,’ however, it elaborates on relevant information about mobile phone safety, Australians’ rush to keep up to date with technology and the comparison of mobile phones with microwaves.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Lister, S. (2004, July. 26) "Teens with Mobiles 'Act Older'," The Times, retrieved August 12, 2004.

This article looks at the health effects that mobile phones have on teenagers, according to a study by market researchers in Australia. The article mentions findings from the study which show teenagers who use mobile phones are more likely to ‘drink, smoke, take drugs and be sexually active.’ It also mentions some key figures about the amount of young people who have a mobile phone in Britain.

VIDEO

4 Corners (1999, July 5) Presented by Liz Jackson. Britain: Australian Broadcasting Corporation. [Video recording: VHS]

This 45-minute Panorama program from BBC (broadcasted on 4 Corners) delivers an educational and eye-opening look at what mobile phones are doing to users' brains and questions the evidence suggesting that there are no harmful effects. It provides a range of expert opinions on the issue including Professor Henry Lai from the University of Washington in Seattle and spokespeople from major telephone companies such as Nokia. The video also provides a human interest angle as it centres on the life of Stephen Corney, a retired Senior Engineer from British Telecom, and his decrepitating health due to his previous career monitoring new mobile phone signals. The video also turns to analyzing children and the massive popularity of mobile phones at a young age as well as provides a look at the National Radiological Protection Board and their role in determining how much radiation the human brain should absorb at allegedly ‘safe’ levels.

WEBSITES

Cellular Phone (2004) World Health Organization, retrieved August 10, 2004, from http://www.who.int/health_topics/cellular_phone/en/

This section within the World Health Organization's (WHO) website provides effective links to an abundance of information about cellular phones, electromagnetic fields and their impact on public health. The helpful information found (via clicking on the links) delve into issues such as the use of mobile phones, concerns for health and health effects, exposure levels and standards, the WHO’s role and what they are doing about the issue and offers appropriate conclusions and recommendations. The website also offers further valuable reading and resources at the user's convenience.

Mobile Communications and Health (2004, June 17) Presented by Jeff Watson. Australian Communications Authority., retrieved August 10, 2004 from http://www.aca.gov.au/stds_compliance/electromagnetic_radiation/emr_videos/index.htm [Video found on the Internet: Windows Media format]

This insightful 6-minute documentary provides the answers to many questions asked by everyday Australians living in local communities about the safety of mobile phones and base stations. The video content and visuals primarily focus on an interview with Mike Bangay, a technical specialist, from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and his expert advice and opinions on mobile phones and towers in relation to human health. The video directly provides snapshots of what the World Health Organization and ARPANSA have said in regards to the issue from statements made on their corresponding websites. Overall, this video provides a brief, yet compact look at the issue and focuses on targeting the everyday Australian and his/her needs and fears.

Radiation and Health Information (2004) The Australian Government: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, retrieved August 10, 2004, from http://www.arpansa.gov.au/rad_health.htm

This website offers advice and information from the Australian Government and its official corresponding agency, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), in regards to radiation and health. Several links are provided on this page containing an ample supply of information in regards to mobile phones, radiofrequency radiation, mobile base stations e.g. educational poster available, radiation emissions from microwave ovens as well as the website page imparts a range of Adobe Acrobat files containing supportive content.

Naomi 16:14, 12 Aug 2004 (EST)

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