Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors?

I came across a few interesting articles on the health related issues which come up due to use of mobile phones.  I had posted them in my facebook page on July 5th, 2010.

Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors 

Is My Cell Phone Dangerous? | Environmental Working Group

Cell Phone Safety List 

Get a Safer Phone | Environmental Working Group

While the health related issues due to constant use of mobile phones have not been proven (atleast to the scientific community), somehow I am uncomfortable using my mobile for many months now.  Often I get pain in the ears + a burning sensation.   Nowadays I try to use more of landline, which doesn't cause this type of trouble.  I don't know if it is a problem due to my instrument (alone) or it is a general problem faced by many users.  Somehow the old charm of using a mobile is gone.  I find e-mails coming at late nights - thus even sleep is disturbed.  Sometimes, if I happen to read them then the sleep for the night is gone... as I start thinking about how to attend to the mail the next morning.  I think it was much better 10 years back when office work ended within office itself. 

The sarpanch has an idea

This week, I enjoyed reading this short article from Economist - "The sarpanch has an idea".  Liked the article and left a comment on the site - though in hindsight I feel I should have modified it a bit ().  

The IDEA ads are good - I will say that I like some of their ads.  In a sense, we can also call them innovative.  But I am not sure if everyone would like the IDEA ads. The only difference is that it is using social issues to sell its offerings.

 

The large scale growth in use of mobile phones have helped the lower strata of the society. There are studies which explain the economic benefits that have arisen out of the use of mobile phones. There is an interesting research article titled "Mobile Phones and Economic Development: Evidence From the Fishing Industry in India" (By Reuben Abraham, Director, ISB School of Business).

Whether it is 545 million cell phones or somewhat lesser number of people having more than 1 SIM card etc the fact is that it has grown to a large number and by removing information asymmetry it has improved the economic situation for the fishing community. To that extent, it has contributed positively. 

More importantly, in a country like India with a significant illiterate population which cannot read and write, mobile phones help in breaking barriers - as everyone can "speak". Thus, it aids in the communication process and helps the lower strata in their livelihood issues.