High mobile phone use may impact sperm count, study says

To avoid the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on sperm count, men should keep their smartphones away from the body and head and carry the devices in a backpack or briefcase, according to the California Department of Public Health.

An electronic field

Mobile phones have become indispensable parts of our lives. However, cell phones do emit low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, or RF-EMF. If those cell phones are emitting at maximum power, the study said, surrounding tissue can be heated up to 0.5 degrees Celsius or about 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Cell phones are constantly sending and receiving signals and they are going to receive and send more intense signals when they’re in use,” said Dr. Alexander Pastuszak, an assistant professor of surgery and urology at The University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City.

“But especially with the modern cell phone, like that signal is going to vary depending on whether you’re talking or whether you’re sending data, said Pastuszak, who was not involved in the study.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are greatly reduced when texting and highest when downloading large files, streaming audio or video, when only one or two bars are displayed, and when in a fast-moving bus, car or train, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The agency recommends keeping the phone away from the body and head — use the speakerphone or headphones instead — and carry the phone in a backpack in a backpack, briefcase or purse. (Source: CNN)