Effect of mobile phone radiation

A study was carried out to determine the effect of mobile phone radiation in human cell cultures. The researchers at the Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, focused on changes in endothelial cells that line blood vessels. They also studied whether such changes could weaken the functioning of the blood-brain barrier, which prevents potentially harmful substances from entering the brain from the bloodstream. It was observed that mobile phone radiation induced activation of a protein called hsp27 linked to the functioning of the blood-brain barrier. Based on the known functions of hsp27, they hypothesized that the radiation might facilitate the development of brain cancer by causing an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability. Increased protein activity might cause cells to shrink and then tiny gaps could appear between those cells through which some molecules could pass. These events, when occurring repeatedly over a long period of time, might become a health hazard because of the possible accumulation of brain damage. Furthermore, it was suggested that other brain damaging factors may also participate in mobile phone radiation-induced effects. These initial findings raise new questions about whether mobile phone radiation can weaken the brain's protective shield against harmful substances. The researchers declined to speculate on what kind of health risks this could pose in humans, but headache, fatigue and sleep disorders could be a result. These are not life-threatening problems but can cause a lot of discomfort and maybe a link with Alzheimer's disease in the long run. Further investigations are required for confirmation though this study does not suggest any need for new restrictions on mobile phone use.