Rumor Refutation：Can Placing a Mobile Phone on the Bedside While Sleeping Really Cause Cancer?

Rumor :Placing a mobile phone on the bedside while sleeping can indeed cause cancer.

/✗:This is a wrong statement

The radiation emitted by mobile phones is electromagnetic radiation, which is a type of non-ionizing radiation. It does not cause cancer.

Non-ionizing radiation is a type of radiation with relatively low intensity, unable to attract atoms and electrons. Ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, light, as well as electromagnetic waves and microwaves generated by household appliances, all fall into the category of non-ionizing radiation.

On the other hand, ionizing radiation is a type of radiation with high intensity, capable of attracting atoms and electrons. The radiation produced by radioactive elements, nuclear reactors, and nuclear weapons belongs to ionizing radiation.

Generally speaking, exposure to ionizing radiation greatly increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. Depending on the dose and duration, it can even cause death in the short term.

Compared to the radiation issue of mobile phones, other health problems caused by their use deserve more attention:

• Cervical spine injury

Prolonged looking down at mobile phones is a significant reason for the younger generation to suffer from cervical spondylosis. Extended periods of looking down increase the pressure on the cervical spine, leading to changes in cervical lordosis, and potentially causing cervical disc herniation and cervical instability.

• Lumbar spine injury

Many people like to play with their phones in a semi-reclined position, which can harm the lumbar spine. In a semi-reclined position, the lumbar spine lacks sufficient support, altering its natural curvature and increasing the force on the intervertebral discs, potentially inducing lumbar disc herniation over time.