Do you ever think that the cell phone you carry around with you all day, every day could actually be hurting you? Various studies have been published around the world stating that cell phones can cause lots of different diseases including cancer, brain tumors, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s as well as everyday maladies like fatigue and headaches. Pretty scary stuff to be coming from the cell phone you use every day.

Can a cell phone really cause all those diseases?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. Studies from different organizations (both private and public) arrive at conflicting answers and, as a result, continue to confuse—and alarm—ordinary users. There is no doubt that high levels or prolonged exposure to radio frequency (RF) waves can cause harm to people since RF waves are capable of heating human tissues in a way similar to how a microwave heats food. Additionally, even at low levels of exposure (well below levels that can burn), there is some evidence (though not agreed upon by all scientists) that RF waves may also cause biological damage to people. However, cell phones operate at very low power levels (around .75 to 1.0 watts), well below the levels that could cause burning or biological damage to people according to US government studies.

Further, all cell phones sold in the US are required to meet government standards for RF emission levels. Unfortunately, the government doesn’t test and verify compliance. The manufactures conduct the testing themselves, which causes some people to question the testing procedures and further muddles the issue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who have the mandate to investigate cell phone safety, have stated that they cannot totally rule out the possibility of some risk from cell phones, but if such a risk exists “it is probably small.”

How can I minimize any risk to my health?
Until scientists figure it all out, here are some tips to help you minimize your exposure to cell phone radiation:

• Turn your phone off when you’re not using it.
• When you’re talking on the phone, try to keep it away from your body and head. Even holding the phone just two inches away from your ear will reduce the strength of the RF waves to about ¼ of their strength when it’s held right against your ear.
• Switch sides when talking and don’t put the phone to your ear until the person at the other end has picked up.
• Try not to carry the phone right against your body. If you can’t avoid keeping it close, position the keypad toward you and the back (transmitter side) facing away. This way any RF transmissions won’t be pointing directly at your body.
• Limit the length of your calls, and use speakerphone mode or a Bluetooth handset to minimize direct exposure to RF emissions.
• It’s best to not use your phone when the battery is low or you’re in a moving vehicle. Either of these situations will cause your phone to increase power to its maximum as it tries to make and maintain a connection.
• Younger people are more susceptible to RF emissions, so don’t allow children to constantly be on a cell phone.
• Text messaging provides a good alternative to talking on your phone. Holding the phone out while texting will likely minimize both the length of your call and your exposure to RF emissions.

For more information about cell phones and your safety - visit the FDA website.

Consult your cell phone user’s manual for additional information.