AWARENESS ON HEALTH HAZARDS OF MOBILE PHONE AMONG

YOUNGSTERS OF PUTHUPALLY PANCHAYATH

Revathy R.
B.Ed. Student (Physical Science)
Mount Carmel College of Teacher Education, Kottayam
Abstract

There are many people who are addicted to the mobile phones and it may lead to
many problems such as broken family relationships, and bad performance in studies and
career. Taking into consideration all these facts, it is essential to provide awareness to the
youngsters. There comes the importance of our study. It is a relevant topic in the society.
Even though this study deals with the experiences of youngsters, this is also significant in the
cases of infants to elders. Survey method was adopted for the study. A sample of 50
youngsters in Puthuppally Panchayath was selected for the study. A questionnaire to study
awareness on mobile phone usage among youngsters prepared by the investigator was used to
collect relevant data. We cannot avoid mobile phones from our busy life. So we should use it
safely. People should read the instruction manual carefully. More awareness should be given
to people especially to youngsters who are the major users of mobile phones. We have to
develop radiation preventive measures.

Introduction

Cell phones expose us to a form of electromagnetic radiation called radiofrequency

(RF) energy. Scientists have suspected that this radiation might increase the risk of brain cell
damage leading to tumors, and in 1995 they found this to be the case in rats. Most studies
since then have failed to show a similar correlation in humans, and last December the Danish
Cancer Society released results from a 29-year study that found no solid association between
increasing cell phone use and brain tumors.

Almost invariably, the assertions that the use of cell phones may lead to a higher risk
of brain cancer, that their use by pregnant women may result in badly behaved children, even
a video that suggested that the waves from two cell phones could be used to cook an egg have
been discredited by scientific investigation.

The presence of a cell phone while two or more people are talking face-to-face can
generate negative feelings toward the person who has his or her device visible.
Need and Significance

Nowadays mobile phone is inevitable equipment in our daily life. Our present
generation cannot imagine a life without mobile phone. The arrival of smart phones made the
youngsters keep on remaining online which makes them addicts of mobile phones. These
youngsters are not worried about the food, studies, and family problems when they have the
mobile phones in their hands. This makes the communication gap between the teens and other
members of the family and leads to many huge problems. They are not even ready to show
the discipline to keep the mobile phones switch off in hospitals and worship centers. They
consider it as an important material in their personal life.

The main defect of mobile phone is the radiation emitted from it. It is very harmful to
our health. Continuous exposure to radiation leads to cancer and other severe health
problems. Whenever the mobile phone is on, it emits radiation. Everyone is aware of these
effects but they dont pay enough attention toward it.Taking into consideration all these facts,
it is essential to provide awareness to the youngsters. There comes the importance of our
study. It is a relevant topic in the society. Even though this study deals with the experiences of
youngsters, this is also significant in the cases of infants to elders.

Objectives of the study

1. To identify the mobile phone habits among youngsters.

2. To find out the methods to reduce the effects of radiation.

3. To make the youngsters of Puthuppally Panchayath aware of the harmful effects of mobile

phone.

Methodology

Survey method was adopted for the study. A sample of 50 youngsters in Puthuppally
Panchayath was selected for the study. A questionnaire to study awareness on mobile phone
usage among youngsters prepared by the investigator was used to collect relevant data.

Analysis and Interpretation

 By analyzing the data collected in the survey carried out among 50 youngsters in
Puthuppally. We have seen that, 56% of them prefer left ear to keep mobile phone while
calling. 64% of the people do not have the habit of keeping mobile phone on the same ear for
a long time which is better than keeping mobile phone on the right ear for a long time. A good
thing observed is that majority of the people are not using mobile phone while driving. Using
hand free facilities while driving helps to reduce the possibility of accidents. It also helps to
reduce the harmful effects of radiation. 38% of people are interested in using hand free
facilities. By using loud speaker mode in mobile phone we can keep a safe distance from our
body and 36% of people are aware of this.

Percentage of people spending time with mobile phone per day

14
22
Less than 30 minutes
30 -1hour
14 1 -2 hours
more than 2 hours
50

Half of the people are spending around 2 hours per day with their mobile phones. The
percentage of people using it more than 2 hours is only 14 %. Similarly 14 % use it less than
1 hour.

Cost of mobile phone used by people

 24
2000
34 10000
20000
60
50000

Majority of the people are using mobile phones in the range of Rs. 10000-20000. Only 2%
use expensive mobile phones .

Place of keeping mobile phone by people

38 pocket
hand bag
hold in hand
54

38 % of people are used to keep their mobile phones in their pockets which are harmful to
their health.

Percentage of people using mobile phone services

 42
2G
34 3G
4G
62
Nil

Majority of the people are using internet facilities in their mobile phones. Only 4% doesnt
use internet facilities through mobile phones.

Money spend by people on mobile phone per month

2 14
16
100
250
500
1000

68

Majority of the people are spending less than 250 rupees per month for their mobile phone
uses.

Conclusion

We cannot avoid mobile phones from our busy life. So we should use it safely. People
should read the instruction manual carefully. More awareness should be given to people
especially to youngsters who are the major users of mobile phones. We have to develop
radiation preventive measures. Mobile phones emit radiation whenever it is on. Most of the
people are not aware of this fact. We should develop a habit of switching off the phone
whenever it is not in use. This study helps in creating awareness among fifty youngsters. It
may make a small change among them and their friends.

References

1. www.thewindowsclub.com/mobile-phones-health-hazards
2. www.thehealthsite.com/
3. www.who.int/features/qa/30/en/