Ever heard of the saying, "The times have changed"? Well it is not only time that has been changing but also technology as well. Technology has been growing at a rapid rate to accommodate the needs and desires of people in obtaining a simpler lifestyle. One of the greatest technologies to hit the 21st century is the cell phone. Majority of the Filipino youth, who use to own a pager are now using cell phones. It is practically impossible for one not to spot or hear this device go off in the hands of a teenager, be at a church, school, car and where have you.

Regular use of mobile telephones increases the risk of developing tumours, a new scientific study by Israeli researchers and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed on Friday. An extract of the report seen by Israel's Yedoit Aharonot newspaper put the risk of developing a parotid gland tumour nearly 50 percent higher for frequent mobile phone users -- more than 22 hours a month. The risk was still higher if users clamped the phone to the same ear, did not use hands-free devices or were in rural areas.

During use, mobile phones are usually kept closer to the ear which is very near to the brain giving rise to fears that continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues.

The report advises people to use hands-free, if longer use is unavoidable and recommends that children below 16 should be discouraged from using cell phones as the tissues of children are tender and are likely to be more affected.

According to the report, use of mobile phones/radio terminals by persons, using medical aids such as hearing aids, defibrillators, pacemakers and other implants should be minimised.

The use of cell phones/radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) should be prohibited or restricted as decided by hospital authority.

For all drivers dialing outon their cell phones, University of Toronto investigators report that the heightened probability of cracking up your car persists for up to 15-minutes after completing a call.

Mental health: Another study looked at addictive, problematic use of cell phones and found a link between low self-esteem and problem cell phone use. A study measuring the link between cell phones and mental health found that teens who used cell phones the most were more likely to be anxious and depressed.

Risks to children : Preliminary scientific evidence found exposure to radio frequency radiation might have subtle effects on biological functions, including the brain. Children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the child's head, and a longer lifetime of exposure.

Views of scientists and researchers : Inconclusive. There have been some 200 studies on the safety of cell phones. And they all seem to conflict concluding that scientists still aren't sure as to the safety of cell phones. The catch is that these are short-term studies. Cell phones have only been in the mainstream for a few years. No one is sure of the long-term effects.

Cell phones are safe:

1. Cell phones use a very, very low level of radio frequency (rf) energy - too low to cause damage.

2. The type of energy emitted is non-ionizing - meaning it doesn't cause damage to chemical bonds or dna.