by Outcast_Searcher » Fri 03 Jun 2011, 15:41:47
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ColossalContrarian', '
')Maybe cell phones and sunlight are cancerous, but what about Fukushima? Will the long term effects of Fukushima effect people in the US over the next century? Will the MSM try to cover up Fukushima with more "newly found" sources of radiation that are causing more deaths?
The one thing the "real" experts on radiation agreed on where I saw rational discussions on places like the PBS Newshour were that its the overall amount, over time that matters. Damage is cumulative. (It's a statistical risk (cell damage), and clearly the numbers go against you as the damage accumulates).
I got roundly attacked by Cog on the Fukishima thread a while back, when I had the temerity to say I didn't think they really know what's going on and how much exposure/radiation there will be long term. (This was before it became clear there were multiple real core meltdowns).
The bad news is, IMO, we still have no clue about the long term total Fukishima effects -- there are too many variables. The good news for the folks in the U.S. is that as long as imported products are scanned for radiation, we're far enough away that the damage should be relatively minimal for its citizens UNLESS things get to the worst case scenario type of deal.
OTOH, since it (and any leakage to the environment) is relatively close to LOTS of Japanese folks, including Tokyo, I believe to just pretend there is no real risk is pretty damned arrogant and dangerous, IMO.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ColossalContrarian', '
')Or maybe cell phones are a greater source of radiation to Japanese civilians than Fukushima?
Excellent question about whether cell phones cause much radiation damage.
Past articles I've seen about cell phones from unbiased sources like Consumer Reports have stated that the evidence shows that there is some cell reaction to the radiation from cell phones, but that there hasn't been enough detailed long term studies to determine the level of harm. They cited short term experiments which demonstrated measurable effects to cells, BTW.
Naturally, the cell phone industry has been in constant total denial mode, since their profits are at stake.
A balanced cautious approach as more data comes out that says there may be legitimate cause for concern would seem to merit using a headset and keeping the phone well away from your head, or only using the phone very little. As I recall, that's what Consumer Reports has recommended for years -- if you want to be safe rather than sorry until the meaningful studies are completed.
....
Generally, I think we're still, relatively speaking in the Dark Ages as far as medicine goes. In my experience, MUCH of what doctors do in the short run is psychology -- they calm you down and help with symptoms until your body (perhaps with some help from a drug) fix the vast majority of minor illnesses we face. Studies come out often, strictly contradicting earlier beliefs about causes and treatments of diseases.
Hopefully genetics will change a lot of that, but it will take money and TIME. (And given our global resource problems, there may not be enough money to pursue what we learn very aggressively, except perhaps for the very rich).