Features
Cellular phones and their negatives
The use of digital technology has grown rapidly during the last couple of decades. During use, mobile phones and cordless phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. No previous generation has been exposed during childhood and adolescence to this kind of radiation. The brain is the main target organ for RF emissions from the handheld wireless phone.
An evaluation of the scientific evidence on the brain tumor risk was made in May 2011 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at the World Health Organisation. The scientific panel
reached the conclusion that RF radiation from devices that emit nonionising RF radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz-300 GHz is a Group 2B, that is, a “possible” human carcinogen.
With respect to health implications of digital (wireless) technologies, it is of importance that neurological diseases, physiological addiction, cognition, sleep, and behavioral problems are considered in addition to cancer. Well-being needs to be carefully evaluated as an effect of changed behaviour in children and adolescents through their interactions with modern digital
technologies.
Furthermore, research conducted by Hardell (2018) about the impact of mobile phones on children and adolescent health discovered that brain development is very sensitive to poisons.
The urgency of using the mobile phone by adults near young children may increase their attraction to the experience of using it, as well as many adults allow them to hold it to play or fun, and this enhances the likelihood of the child continue using the mobile phone in the period of growth and development and until attaining the age of majority.
Because the children use mobile for longer time when they grow older various health problems such as neurological diseases, physiological
addiction, and cognition and sleep disturbances have also found to be associated with the constant use of mobile phones. Although diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) 5 does not include any criteria for problematic use of technology, a study in 2016, based on the core symptoms of substance use disorders, gives the following as proposed diagnostic criteria for smartphone addiction.
Global health today is facing a major challenge in the form of addictions. Mobile phones, as a telecommunication device, are highly capable of increasing the diversity of information and entertainments available to individuals and organisations around the world. Nowadays, with the emergence of new technologies in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a myriad of problems related to communication and information have been resolved, the path to reaching the latest news and information in the shortest time is now available, and cyberspace has created new frontiers in social communication.
One of these technologies is mobile phones, which is a rapidly growing phenomenon in the world, so that the number of its subscribers in some countries has exceeded their populations. At the same time, more and more epidemiological studies indicate an increasing connection between mobile phone use and brain tumors in humans. The time length of cancer development after cellular damage may be many years depending on the animal and the type of cancer.
Aim of this European multicenter case-control study was to assess the association between the incidence of seven types of rare cancers (small bowel carcinoid tumour, uveal melanoma, mycosis fungoides, thymoma, male breast cancer, gallbladder cancer) and occupational exposures. This article presents information about lawsuits against mobile phone industry. The class action lawsuits are starting to pile up against mobile phone industry.
In August of 2001, a 41-year old Maryland neurologist, Christopher Newman, claimed that his brain tumor was caused by frequent cell phone usage, and served an $800 million suit against the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet. The intensive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) especially occurs in adolescents and youth population. This use can have negative consequences that should be considered.
The aim of this study was to explore the general and problematic uses of the most popular ICTs among adolescents from Alicante (Spain): Internet, mobile phone and video games. Since the International Agency for Research on Cancer recently classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emanating from mobile and cordless phones, as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B), two additional reports relevant to the topic have been published.
Both articles were new updates of a Danish cohort on mobile phone subscribers and concern the possible association. For years, radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) radiations have been applied in the modern world. The rapidly increasing use of cellular phones called recent attention to the possible health risks of RF/MW exposures. In 2011, a group of international experts organised by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon) concluded that
RF/MW radiations should be listed as a possible carcinogen. We live in a dense field of electromagnetic radiation today. It is estimated that this field is up to 200 times stronger than it was a 100 years ago. Power lines, radars, transmitters, electrical appliances, mobile phones, televisions, digital watches, CD/radio players, computers and wireless internet all produce electromagnetic fields, and the problem of electromagnetic “pollution” grows further.
• Robert Grimmond-Thompson
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
