Editorial ReviewsAmazon.com George Carlo and Martin Schram are aiming to become information-age Ralph Naders. They ask a question that ought to concern America's 103 million mobile phone users, as well as those who merely come within earshot of these popular devices: Is the wireless future a threat to public health? "Visit any public building, college classroom, courthouse, or commuter train, and look around: You'll see people using not just wireless phones but also wireless laptop computers and miniature palm tops," write Carlo and Schram. "What you won't see are the microwaves that are criss-crossing a confined space where a number of people who are not even using these instruments are bombarded by these waves." It sounds creepy. And Carlo, an epidemiologist who once oversaw a multimillion-dollar research project on health for the cellular industry, believes the news is not good: there may be a link between cell phone use and brain tumors. The research is not conclusive, but Carlo and Schram think it's disturbing enough to warrant government action. Needless to say, the industry that once backed Carlo's work now considers him persona non grata. Due largely to Carlo's coauthorship, Cell Phones is unavoidably a one-sided story. Key business figures didn't agree to interviews. In fact, this might have been a better book if it were written by Schram, with Carlo as one of several major characters rather than a collaborator. Then again, it would lack the passionate advocacy that will draw many readers to it. And even the most skeptical may want to take a few of the simple safety precautions the authors recommend in a concluding chapter, such as wearing a headset or earpiece when using a cell phone, in order to keep a distance from the radiation-emitting antennae. One look at the x-ray photos reproduced in the book, which show how radiation easily penetrates skulls, will give even the most impervious observer second thoughts. One thing is probably certain: This book is a harbinger of litigation. If Carlo and Schram are correct about their concerns, the cellular industry--as unbelievable as it sounds--may go the way of Big Tobacco. --John J. Miller |
Reader Reviews |
Well-written book if you don't agree with the subject, Saturday, August 13, 2005Because of the growing use of cell phones throughout the world, research into health hazards of mobile phones has intensified. The authors need to applauded for taking on a topic that is highly debateable, not to mention controversial. The book is well presented, but presents its case only on one aspect of the controversy. As the author of "It's Your Call: The Complete Guide to Mobile Phones", I have a different take on the subject. There have been many studies on the effect of radio waves on mobile phone users. Not one has produced a repeatable, identifiable risk. So far the only established fact is slight heating. In fact, going for a walk will warm your head more than talking on a mobile. Andrew Mennen Author, It's Your Call: The Complete Guide to Mobile Phones http://www.relianz.com.au |
No References What So Ever, Thursday, May 19, 2005I was not satisfied at all with this book. As a matter of fact, I could not finish it. When dealing with areas of science, references are important. This author may have good information, yet without references it is hard to discern because there aren't any for 99.9% of the material in this book. It is hearsay or religion or more like a novel. If you are looking for information that can be researched or confirmed, this is not the book. Great artistic book cover, yet no hard evidence on the inside. It is true, 'you can't judge a book by its cover'. The title of the book gives a clue to the references in it, 'invisible'. |
Can you hear me now?, Sunday, April 21, 2002Cell phones have become an integral part of American (and increasingly the world) society. They are ubiquitous in the business world and day-to-day life activities. The authors discuss in detail the risks associated with cell phones, particularly those of the digital variety. They tell the all to common tale of industry PR "spin" vs. public safety and common sense. While it may not be correct to state that cell phones cause brain cancer, the preliminary indications and not heart warming. Thus far clinical studies have shown: 1) Cell phone radiation penetrates deep into the developing brains of children. 2) Cell phone radiation results in chromosomal damage to blood exposed to wireless phone radio waves. There is a link between chromosome damage and brain cancer. 3) Cell phone radiation breaks down the blood brain barrier. Think of the blood brain barrier as an immune system for the brain. As it breaks down, other environmental toxins more easily enter the brain and cause damage. 4) A number of studies showed a statistically significant correlation between brain cancer deaths and cell phone use. 5) Cell phone radiation can cause pacemakers to malfunction is they (pacemakers) are not properly insulated from cell phones that are within 6 inches of the pacemaker. The above are based on elaborate human, animal, and laboratory experiments that examine the effects of cell phone radiation. The experiments in the book focus primarily on cell phone use - when the phone is near the head. If cell phone radiation is able to penetrate the human skull, the effects may be even more dramatic on soft tissue such as reproductive organs that may be continuously exposed to radiation by a phone carried in a pants pocket. Based on the scientific evidence in the book you should avoid using a cell phone or being around one to be perfectly safe. Since that is not likely, the following precautions can be taken: 1) Despite the aggressive marketing practices of the industry towards children, keep cell phones out of the hands of your kids, they are particularly susceptible to the radiation generated by cell phones. 2) Use a hands free model and keep the phone away from your body. 3) If you put the phone up to your ear, point the antenna away from you. 4) If you have one of those cool little phones with a built in antenna, the whole phone is an antenna and you are getting a heavier dose of radiation. GET A HEADSET OR A DIFFERENT PHONE. 5) A cell phone has to pump out more radiation when the signal strength is low, try not to use the phone unless the signal strength is near 100%. Initial studies show a clear link between cell phone radiation (especially associated with digital phones) and adverse health effects. In the next 10 to 20 years the effects will become apparent with the general public serving as the test subjects. Tread carefully on those wireless stocks over the long term, and take precautions today so you don't become a statistic. Many thanks to Dr. Carlo and Martin Schram for timely well written book packed with critical info for all wireless customers. |
THIS BOOK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!, Monday, February 04, 2002Having worked with wireless technologies for over 30 years, I am an expert in the subject and can verify that the contents of this book are true and undisputable. If you use any form of wireless technology, especially cell phones, you must take the necessary precautions! One thing that the vast majority of people don't understand is that, when cell phones were analog, there was a greatly reduced risk of radiation danger. The reason - analog radio waves are found in nature, i.e. they are natural. The real risk and danger is that today, all cell phones being manufactured are digital and transmit digital signals which are never found in nature because they are man-made. This type of unnatural radiation going through the body is flat-out dangerous and a very high risk to your health. Want to know what's even more scary? There is really no way to protect yourself from the millions of digital wireless cell phone signals passing through your body every day. You are not protected in your home, your office, or even in a bunker. The only type of building that may be able to ward off these digital demons are totally metallic buildings because they tend to relect radio signals. Beware! |
Radiation is definently emitted from all cell phones!!!, Friday, November 16, 2001I would have to say this book gets all the facts about radiation. I reccommend anyone who has a cell phone or knows somebody that you love that uses a cell phone get this book. It is very useful and mind blowing. Cell phones can give you cancer and cause brain damage. Im not saying to throw away your cell phone now, because I still use mine with cell phone accessory that blocks 96% of radiation. I reccommed everybody get this accessory (...) and BUY THIS BOOK!!! |


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Well-written book if you don't agree with the subject, Saturday, August 13, 2005
No References What So Ever, Thursday, May 19, 2005
Can you hear me now?, Sunday, April 21, 2002