Says Canadian researcher Dr Howard Fisher, “When someone beside you switches on the mobile phone, the nearest cell tower sends out signals that reach out to the phone’s antenna. These signals pass through walls, even humans, to reach the phone.”

So what? “Radiation affects cell growth and builds defective cells, that affect the biological functioning. It reduces sperm count in males and interferes with the heart’s functioning,” says Fisher.

Fisher, who recently authored a book—The Invisible Threat—on the effects of electromagnetic radiation and mobile phone radiation, is in city to spread awareness on this threat.

Fisher’s research suggests effects of mobile usage will show only after six years. “Even if someone uses a phone for just 10 minutes daily, in six years there will be increased chances of contracting cancer. Radiation from mobile phones increase chances of cancer by 460 per cent. The central nervous system, cardiovascular and immune systems are affected with higher chances of elevated blood glucose levels.”

Now, have you ever wondered why your ears turn red when you get off the phone after a long conversation? Research suggests that using mobile phones creates thermal radiation that causes the ears to redden. This is also why sperm count may reduce when you put the phone in you trouser pocket.

Says Dr Bipin Walia, senior consultant, MAX Hospital, “Higher levels of radio frequency created brain tumours in lab experiments on animals. In humans, too, it may have similar results.”

Children are at a higher risk. A child’s tissues grow till he reaches the age of 16. In this time, the damages due to mobile use could be permanent. “It is advisable to use mobiles phones for a lesser period of time. Mobiles are a necessity but try and curtail their use,” says Walia.

So, what’s the remedy? In 2007, American scientist Igor Smirnov introduced the MRET (Molecular Resonance Effect Technology)—a polymer that attaches itself to harmful radio waves and prevents them from causing harm—in US markets.