NTAHANGWA, July 25 (ABP) – Prolonged exposure to mobile phone radiation has harmful effects on human health, warned Donatien Ngendabanyikwa, a doctor in the department of natural sciences, physics-technology option, and lecturer at the Higher Teacher Training School (ENS).
In an interview with ABP, Dr. Ngendabanyikwa explained that mobile phones, like radios, televisions, or remote controls, use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. These waves fall within the radiofrequency range, between 3 kHz and 300 GHz. He pointed out that they differ from ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays), which have much higher energy and very short wavelengths.
“Electromagnetic waves are a combination of an electric field and a magnetic field that propagate at the speed of light, estimated at about 300,000 km per second,” Dr. Ngendabanyikwa specified.
He went on explaining that the human body, composed of partially conductive tissues, interacts with these waves. The depth of penetration depends on the frequency: “The lower the frequency, the deeper the waves penetrate the tissues,” he said.
The physicist also highlighted that the main known effect of these waves is tissue heating. As an example, Dr. Ngendabanyikwa explained that during a prolonged call, the ear and skin may heat up and cause discomfort, as they absorb electromagnetic signals. This heating can be local or general, depending on the frequency and power of the waves.
According to this expert, international standards set safety thresholds for exposure to electromagnetic waves: 0.08 W/kg for the entire body in the general population, 2 W/kg for the head, and 4 W/kg for the limbs. These limits take into account the power of relay antennas and the distance from them, he reminded. He added that the higher the power and the shorter the distance, the more the effect of the electromagnetic field is felt.
Dr. Ngendabanyikwa noted that other potential effects, known as non-thermal (such as subtle biological impacts), have not yet been scientifically confirmed. “Further research is needed, especially in urban areas where phone antennas are numerous,” he emphasized.
To limit risks, he calls for responsible use of devices that emit non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. He advises against using phones too close to relay antennas, sleeping with the device under the pillow or next to the head, and charging the phone too close to the bed. According to him, this behavior is risky, as power networks also emit electromagnetic fields that add to those of the phone, he stressed.
The physics expert Ngendabanyikwa also recommends not listening to music while sleeping with earphones, as it can fatigue the ear and disrupt sleep. He pointed out that in Burundi, research on the subject is limited, but in other countries where phone use is intense, studies encourage monitoring electromagnetic pollution in cities. “The head and torso are the most exposed areas,” he concluded.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intensive use of mobile phones can lead to negative health effects such as sleep disturbances, neck pain due to poor posture, or concentration problems. However, after reviewing the scientific evidence, the WHO does not consider mobile phone use to be a risk factor for cancer or other serious diseases. Although mobile phones emit electromagnetic waves, these waves are of very low energy and do not cause significant changes in human tissues.
It’s worth mentioning that the WHO nonetheless acknowledges that excessive use of mobile phones can have effects on mental and physical health, such as eye strain, addiction, and sleep problems.