Cell phone exposure may cause bone weakening

A study led by Dr Fernando D Saravi of National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, has found that cell phones affect bone density.

The study consisted of 24 men who wear their phones at their right hip, and 24 men who do not wear their phones at their right hip, and showed a reduction of bone mineralization in the neck of the right femor. The difference in bone density in the area at the top of the hip, close to where the phone would be carried was also significantly related to the estimated total hours of carrying the phone.

The concern is that the rapid spread and use of mobile phones could have a sizeable effect on the osteoporosis rate in the population. Follow up studies are recommended, specifically on women, in whom osteoporosis rates are higher, and on children, who would have a longer expected life time of exposure to mobile phones.

Source: The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

Read more research on mobile phones and masts

First Published in March 2011

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