Long-Term Health Impacts of Cell Phone-Driven Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure in Humans

Long-Term Health Impacts of Cell Phone-Driven Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure in Humans by Ndukaku. C. Omelu PhD, Walden University, 2018 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University Spring 2018 Abstract Uncertainties still exist about the safety of cell phone use and the level of cell phonedriven radiation. The purpose of the current inquiry was to determine the long-term health impacts of cell phone-driven radiation via the use of cell phones. In this crosssectional study, which was based on socio-ecological theory, secondary data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to assess the difference in theUncertainties still exist about the safety of cell phone use and the level of cell phonedriven radiation. The purpose of the current inquiry was to determine the long-term health impacts of cell phone-driven radiation via the use of cell phones. In this crosssectional study, which was based on socio-ecological theory, secondary data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to assess the difference in the prevalence of thyroid cancer, mouth/tongue/lip cancer, and heart disease between exposed and non-exposed/less exposed groups in the United States. Logistic regression was used to address three research questions. Findings showed that cell phone use was associated with cancer outcome. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between individuals who were heavy users or sometimes users of cell phones and thyroid or mouth/tongue/lip cancer when compared to individuals who rarely or do not use cell phones. There was a relationship between heavy/sometimes users and heart disease when compared to individuals who rarely/do not use cell phones. Yet, when all the confounders/covariates were included in the model, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups compared. Even when all the covariates were accounted for, age and sex were added in the model for thyroid cancer for both phoneuse 1 and 2. Findings reiterate the need for more rigorous attention to industrial quality control measures for cell phone use and also highlight the need for social awareness of the possible health implications of such use. Using study findings, policy makers may wish to explore the implementation of comprehensive regulatory measures to address cell phone safety. Long-Term Health Impacts of Cell Phone-Driven Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure in Humans by Ndukaku. C. Omelu PhD, Walden University, 2018 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University Spring 2018 Dedication I was driven by many factors including my own personal and professional lifecourse perspectives to undertake a PhD program. My decision to engage in the assessment of cell-phone driven radiation comes from both the previous evidence-based studies and the cultivated academic instinct instilled in me that allowed me to question the possible and plausible public health impacts associated with repeated use of cell phones. Ultimately, my gratitude goes out to researchers who came before me who have conducted inquiries into the public health impacts of cell phone use. Their work paved the way for my research study. Acknowledgments I advance my deepest gratitude to my chair, Dr. Robare; my committee members, Dr. Ferraro, Dr. McDoniel, Dr. Kachgal, the rest of URR team; the program director team; the academic advising team; the entire Walden staff; and my family and friends for their invaluable compromise throughout my academic pursuit. I appreciated these individuals’ contributions towards my academic achievements throughout the entire dissertation process. Without these amazing individuals or groups’ support, the completion of the dissertation process may not have been possible or as informative, memorable, and productive as it turned out to be. With their steadfast support and expert suggestions, the process enabled me to grow in terms of my research thinking processes and was a meaningful and amazing academic research experience, to say the least.