Cell phone use can pose health hazards

I read with interest Katie McGunagle's article regarding cell phone use by students at Whitefish High School. I agree with the survey results to continue the "no cell phone policy" and see no educational or emergency need on campus.

Non-educational use speaks for itself, and the school administration is responsible for emergency notifications, as it has performed forever.

As a matter of fact, cell phone technology, now with built-in photo capabilities, hints at privacy invasion. There is also a peer-pressure issue that can be very sensitive to some kids.

Notwithstanding the above, a major consideration is the health risks now surfacing from long-term use of cell phones. A recent article in "Bottom Line" provides an update on the radiation risks associated with cell phone use, and I quote:

"The American Journal of Epidemiology reported that cell phone users who spent more than 22 hours a month (equals about 45 minutes a day) on their cell phones were 58 percent more likely to develop tumors of the parotid 'salivary) gland than those who didn't use cell phones as often."

This tells me there will be a lot of older folks with serious dry-mouth issues (can't swallow) which our new government health-care system and your tax dollars will need to fund to aid a preventable sickness (like tobacco use but not addictive).

A follow-up survey at Whitefish High School asking students to comment about health risks using cell phones would be educational for sure and may change survey the results.

Keep up the good work.

Peter Stanley lives in Whitefish.

P.S. I enjoyed Katie's performance in "The Wizard of Oz." Bravo.