In today's digital world, cell phones have become a major staple in peoples' everyday lives. In fact, according to Pew Research, the vast majority of Americans own a cell phone. Cell phones are convenient devices to have in case of emergencies and for overall pleasure. If you want to connect with someone while you're out and about, you use your cell phone. When you want to use an app for a variety of functions, you pull out your cell phone. Mobile phones offer a variety of benefits to consumers, but what about the environment? Can cell phones actually be doing more harm than good? Possibly. Cell phones can pose hazards to the environment and the people in it for several reasons.

Short Life Span

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that cell phones have a shorter life span than other electronics. This means that they don't last very long and consumers have to go out and buy new ones year after year. What do people do with the old phones? They send them straight to the trash. Cell phones generate an enormous amount of e-waste. Most e-waste isn't recycled and ends up in landfills. This isn't a great waste management option as it can pollute water, soil and air. As a result, grasses, herbs, trees and vegetables can become contaminated. Consuming crops that have been contaminated by e-waste can cause harmful effects.

When consumers don't use proper e-waste recycling techniques, the e-waste doesn't just have the potential to harm humans, but it can also harm animals such as birds, aquatic mammals and aquamarine life. This means that you're putting animals at risk due to improper cell phone disposal. Also, the fish you consume can be contaminated with by-products of e-waste.

Toxic Impact on Humans

Discarded cellphone components often contain lead. When that lead infiltrates the soil that grows the crops you consume, the air you breathe and the water you drink, that lead can enter your body and accumulate in your bones. Lead has negative effects on major parts and systems of your body such as:

• The nervous system

• The reproductive system

• The cardiovascular system

• The immune system

• Kidney function

Even in low amounts, lead can cause significant harm to young children. Infants and young children exposed to just small amounts of lead have a higher risk of developing learning deficits and lowered IQ.

Radiofrequency Radiation

Cell phones emit radiofrequency radiation. This occurs when a user sends and receives voice and text messages. Some studies indicate that long-term exposure to radiation can cause significantly higher risks for brain cancer and salivary tumors. Although more research is needed to confirm possible links between increased radiation exposure and health risks, it's important not to completely rule out the possible negative health effects radiation may cause. 

As Low as Reasonably Achievable or alara is a crucial safety measure for reducing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials. By implementing these safety techniques, you can significantly reduce your cell phone radiation exposure to as low as reasonably achievable.

There are three major safety principles that can help you keep your cell phone radiation in low doses:

• Time: This involves minimizing the time of exposure. You can do this by limiting how much you use your cell phone. If you love entertainment, use other electronics that don't pose as high a radiation risk as cell phones.

• Distance: Double the distance between you and your radiation source. For example, avoid keeping your cell phone in your pocket. Instead, place it in a bag when you're not using it. 

• Shielding: Use absorber materials that take in large amounts of radiation, which limits your exposure. You can use a cell phone radiation shield to protect you from radiation.

Since cell phones hit the market, they've transformed many lives. However, you should be aware of its potentially negative effects on the environment and life.