Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

In the 21^st century, mobile phones are extensively used beyond communication for camera, internet, music and GPS navigation. However, the increased usage of cellular phones have led to exponential increase in the detrimental phone radiations. Reports have shown health issues such as headache, dizziness and local burning after prolonged cell phone usage. The present study was conducted to evaluate the awareness about cell phone radiations and their effects among students from Symbiosis International (Deemed University)hill base campus. The study was conducted in a cross sectional descriptive manner using Google forms and perception questionnaire. In total 352 students were enrolled for the study. The survey showed that majority of students (59.7%) spent less than four hours on phones everyday however 19.5% participants were spending more than eight hours on their phones. Although, 82% were aware of Specific Absorption Rate only 62% participants were taking precautionary measures of using headsets and speaker mode during long duration calls. The students also complained of heat sensation, headache, fatigue and dizziness after using phones continuously for long hours. The present study inferred a positive correlation between students’ awareness about cell phone radiations and their duration of cell phone usage concluding that majority of students were taking precautionary measures against harmful effects of cell phone radiations.