Think of the last time you used your cell phone or saw someone else using one; chances are it was within the last hour. Cell phones have become one of the fastest evolving pieces of technology. They started out big, bulky and ugly, and have turned into sleek, shiny fashion accessories. Today the number of cell phone users is enormous. 270 million Americans are users, along with the 4 billion people around the world.
Recent studies debate the issue of whether or not cell phone radiation is related to health risks in users. Cell phones do have a potential to be directly correlated with public health problems. When cell phones are in use, they emit low-level radio-frequency radiation. Research has shown that as long as the cell phone is turned on, radiation is emitted, whether or not the phone is actually in use. Many other household electronics also give off radiation such microwaves, however people are not in such close contact as they are with cell phones.
There is one company that is taking a proactive stance on the controversial issue of cell phone radiation. This up-and-coming company has only been around for six months now, and is known as Pong Research. Dr. Alfred Wong is Pong Research’s Chief Scientist. The scientific theory behind his work states that cell phone radiation is a form of energy that cell phone users do not want around their head. Many cell phone users are unaware of the harmful effects of cell phone usage and radiation. Wong has conducted many studies and tests on the effects of long-term health issues caused by cell phone radiation, and he attempts to make ties to many detrimental health issues.
Pong Research is a rising company and industry for cell phone users. Created in 2009, the employees at Pong Research are still trying to promote their purpose and product. The Pong scientists created a protective case that channels radiation through its laddered ‘chimney’ up and away from the head. Full signal strength is maintained, so the cell phone’s function and battery life are not compromised. Scientists and researchers predict that in 2014, more research will be available and cell phone users will be provided with more definitive information about the long-term effects of cell phone usage and the related health risks.
Unsurprisingly, college students are a huge group of cell phone users. According to research done by the CTIA, The Wireless Association, 90 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 owned a cell phone in 2007, and this number has undoubtedly grown since then. For many of these students, cell phones are their only telephone devices. College students are also habitual users of their cell phones, connecting with friends, parents, siblings, employers, classmates and friends.
Pong Research’s approach is all about prevention. Due to cell phones being somewhat new, there is a lack of research on long term effects of cell phone radiation. In an interview with Pong Research employee, Albert Liu, he compares cell phone radiation to cigarettes by showing how long it took to realize and convince the public that cigarette smoking would likely cause health issues in the future. Liu also states, “Pong Research is not trying to solve cancer or find a cure. We are just trying to reduce cell phone radiation.” Based on the research that has been done on cell phone radiation already, Pong Research decided that prevention is essential, and well worth it.
Lindsay Lynch is senior majoring in communications with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at LL628475@wcupa.edu