Health+Perspective

Apple iPhone 4 by Chris Quartararo

The Apple iPhone 4, just like all other cell phones, emit radio waves, which are absorbed by the human head. The radio waves that are emitted are different depending on the cell phone. Some phones have a maximum transmit power of 3.6 watts while other phones have a lesser output power which is usually below 1 watt. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a way of measuring the rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human body. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set the SAR limit for phones and headsets used in the United States.

Many studies have been conducted concerning cell phone usage and cancer. It has been reported that a Swedish study indicated that the risk of cancer among youths using any cell phone are at a higher rates risk of cancerous tumors. A Danish study, concerning cell phone and cancer, followed 420,000 Danish citizens for twenty years. This study concluded that there was no increased risk of cancer. Many other studies had similar results. Other studies indicate there is a definite risk of cancer. Some suggest the amount and time a cell phone is used could increase the risks. The iPhone uses three different types of radio frequencies which include cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth. This would put the iPhone’s users at higher risk.

As a result of many studies, it has been suggested that the antenna should be positioned at the bottom of the phone, which would increase the distance between the ear and antenna. The amount of exposure could increase the risks. Apple states the iPhone is safe with a very small risk of cancer. Does this lead us to believe prolonged exposure might be a risk?

As iPhones, along with other cell phones, are used over a longer period of time and other studies are conducted, the risk of cancer will be better addressed and provide reliable data.

Handheld Video Camera By Chris Quartararo

The handheld video camera is a great improvement over the early models. Over the years, the video cameras have changed making the handling of them easier. The first video cassette recorders were heavy, making them difficult to use for any length of time. The early video cassette recorder actually sat on your shoulder, making it easier for the user to record an event. It would be just about impossible to hold this large, heavy video cassette recorder anywhere but on your shoulder. After recording for a while, the weight on your shoulder could cause some discomfort and pain. The newer cameras are extremely small and light. A child could operate the camera with ease. The size and weight of the camera alleviates any problems related to the shoulder. You simply hold the camera to view what you are recording and because of the lightness of the camera, no physical discomforts occur. The newer video cameras make it so easy to record important events. It is easy to view them at any time. This ability gives the viewer a sense of happiness. Being able to view movies of our lives and of those who have died can put us in a better state of mind. It can be comforting and ward off periods of depression. When we are content and happy, our health improves. Depression can impair the immune system leading to illness. More recently, video cameras contain flash memory in them, which replaces other types of media (VHS tapes or DVSs). This eliminates the use for VHS tapes and DVDs. This improvement means the VHS tapes are no longer thrown away and in our landfills, which means there is less non biodegradable garbage in the landfills. As a result, there is less pollutions in our environment.

Riding Bikes By Chris Quartararo

The large population in Japan creates problems in all aspects of their lives. Driving a car in overcrowded streets is almost impossible. Traffic would be at a stop because the roads would be so crowded. This large number of cars would create a pollution problem. This would create many health problems for the Japanese. Owning and operating a car would be very expensive. Most Japanese have found the easiest way to get from place to place is riding a bike. Bike riding has many health benefits. It keeps the rider in shape. Bike riding is good cardiovascular exercise. There is no stress on joints and strengthens leg muscles. The new underground bike parking allows the Japanese to use their bikes for transportation. There is no stress about where a bike can be parked. The new underground bike parking system also gives the bike rider the ability to park his bike without the worry of it being stolen, damaged, or taken by someone with a similar bike. This system creates a stress free environment for the rider. It encourages the Japanese to use bikes in place of cars and helps create less pollution. Overall, this new underground bike parking benefits the Japanese people’s health. The ease of parking their bikes creates a healthier environment and physically improves their health.

Motorola Xoom By Chris Quartararo The Motorola Xoom has added to the popularity of the tablet. The Motorola Xoom has been on the market since February 2011. Its competition, the iPad, has been on the market for some time. The short time the Xoom has been on the market could be the reason why there has not been any negative health side effects reported. The Xoom is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around. It allows the user to email and surf the web. You can also open and edit documents and spreadsheets. This allows the user to have needed information at his finger tips. This can help to create a less stressful day for the businessman or student. Less stress equals better health. Some users have questioned eye problems after using the Xoom. It has not been proven the tablet computer causes any problems concerning the user’s eyes, but it is possible that there might be health issues in the future. As of now, the Motorola Xoom does not cause any health problems. The Xoom is capable of helping create a positive attitude, which can make life less stressful.

__**Microwave Ovens**__ Lindsay Hulme

 The health effects of microwave ovens are not clear cut for the users of this technology. A microwave oven uses electromagnetic radiation to produce heat inside the food in the oven. The question is whether or not this should be concerning to users of the microwave. When exposed to very high levels or well above excess, the radiation can be damaging to the human body, specifically areas that can not cool themselves, such as the eyes. Another concern of the microwave oven is old or faulty door seals which can leak radiation but at small levels this is an insignificant factor. However it is still important to get the door fixed or update to a newer version. Some general guidelines for microwave oven use in the home are: do not operate oven when empty, exercise caution if you have a pacemaker implant as it may interfere, check to see that the oven is clean after each use, and do not stand right next to the microwave oven. The International Radiation Protection Association explains that microwave ovens are now designed for minimal leakage and this level is far less than the limit.