The downside of a popular gadget called mobile phone

Cell phone companies have been locked in a stiff competition and offering a wide range of packages in order to woe subscribers and attracting potential ones. But no one is telling how their competition has at times led to enormous risks to public health. Although life is nearly unimaginable without this gadget popularly called mobile phone, its overuse is definitely bad for health. But people hardly remember the caution and attractive ads only encourage them to get the advantage of more talk times.
The majority of cell phone users do not know the do's and don'ts of the gadget's use. Experts have prescribed that the set should be held at least an inch from the ear while talking. Loudspeaker can be used for the purpose. The other alternative is the use of air phone. The third option of course is to send short message service (SMS). This is because it is unwise to talk on the cell phone for more than 19 minutes in 24 hours. Experts suggest just two minute's talk at a time, beyond which is risky. The set should never be kept in the chest pocket, nor should it be left under the pillow or in close proximity to head while sleeping or resting.
The Aamader Environmental Systems Limited (AESL), a government-approved specialised organisation has come up with some alarming disclosures on the issue of uncontrolled use of cell phones and particularly the impact of mobile towers constructed in an unplanned manner. The AESL recently conducted a survey-cum-study on the radiation of 25 mobile towers set up without plan in the municipal area of Kishoreganj. Its findings, according to a report carried in a Bangla contemporary, indicate a growing risk from cancer to people, particularly children and expectant mothers, exposed to the radiation.
At fault are the mobile towers which have been erected on the roof buildings in areas of high concentration of people. Experts of the AESL made it quite clear that such towers should be constructed at least at a distance of 200 to 300 feet either perpendicularly or horizontally from people's living quarters. But unfortunately, people unaware of the danger, have allowed construction of such towers on top of their roofs for rent. A number of roofs have more than one such towers. The inhabitants in the buildings are not in the least of the the terrible hazard they are silently inviting to their health in the process.
The dire consequences are gradually becoming evident. Trees are drying up or dying, fruit-bearing trees are yielding fewer fruits than before and birds are no longer seen except only a few. Even sparrows and crows, two common species in villages and elsewhere, are rarely seen, let alone other species. A common complaint is that coconut and nut trees around mobile towers suffer the worst consequences. Water in coconut either dries up or gets blackened. Sometimes the flesh inside does not at all grow and at other times the trunks of both coconut and nut trees gradually dry up or die. Where they do not die, they stop bearing fruits. Other trees are also not immune to the radiation.
There is no reason to think that Kishoreganj alone is bearing the brunt of radiating mobile tower. Other parts of the country are suffering the impact in equal measure. The mobile companies' overriding commercial consideration and house owners' greed for income from rent overlook consideration for public health. Should not there be a government policy on this dangerous issue? Let the mobile companies strictly follow some guidelines under such a policy so that people and environment are not overtly exposed to their dangerous radiation.
One pertinent question concerns the construction of such towers in advanced countries. How is the situation in those countries? If they follow the same method, studies should be carried out to devise a safe method. If the method they follow is already safe, let it be replicated here.