Cell Phone Exposure
Cell phones expose us to a form of electromagnetic radiation called radiofrequency (RF) energy. This may cause harmful effects to the body. Use the following tips to reduce your exposure to RF energy.
Use a Headset or Speakerphone
No reliable data exist on the upper limit of safe talk time, but corded headsets can reduce any potential risk. These emit much less RF energy, and allow you to move the phone away from your body. One study shows that using a headset lowers radiation exposure eightfold.
Keep Your Phone Out of Your Pocket
The most dangerous place to be, in terms of radiation exposure, is near the emitting antenna. You do not want any part of your body near this area and proximity is everything. The closer the phone is to your body, the worse the exposure -- with the exposure falling off dramatically with distance. Thus, using the speaker mode, the farther you can keep the phone away from your body and still hear the call, the better. A study published last year in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery linked cell phone radiation to decreased bone density in the pelvis, and a 2008 study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found that it lowers fertility in men.
Limit Children's Use
Children are far more vulnerable to cell phone radiation than adults, because of their thinner skull bones and other factors. Since kids have a thinner skull, and their brains are still developing—this makes them more vulnerable to any potential harmful effects of RF radiation. Barring a life-threatening emergency, children should not use a cell phone, or a wireless device of any type.
Stop Talking While Driving
In addition to creating a potentially deadly distraction, using your phone in the car forces your cell signal to jump between wireless towers. Since RF is highest when a connection with a tower is first established, talking while traveling can increase exposure.
Don't Chat with a Poor Signal
The harder your phone has to work to get reception, the more radiation it emits. This is the reason you should avoid using so-called radiation shields (the shiny stickers that claim to block radiation); they actually force the phone to transmit at a higher power. The weaker the reception, the more power your phone must use to transmit, and the more power it uses, the more radiation it emits, and the deeper the dangerous radio waves penetrate into your body. Ideally, you should only use your phone with full bars and good reception. Also seek to avoid carrying your phone on your body as that merely maximizes any potential exposure. Ideally put it in your purse or carrying bag.
Don't Wear Wireless Headsets As If They Were Jewelry
Earpieces don't emit as much radiation as a phone, but they release some—even after your call ends. Remove the device between conversations.
Reduce Cell Phone Use:
Turn your cell phone off more often. Reserve it for emergencies or important matters. As long as your cell phone is on, it emits radiation intermittently, even when you are not actually making a call.
Use a Land Line at Home and at Work: Although more and more people are switching to using cell phones as their exclusive phone contact, it is a dangerous trend and you can choose to opt out of the madness.
Reduce or Eliminate Your Use of Other Wireless Devices: You would be wise to cut down your use of these devices. Just as with cell phones, it is important to ask yourself whether or not you really need to use them every single time. Even portable home phones, including the older kind that operate at 900 MHz, can be a problem. For "hands free" calls at home, I recommend getting the old-fashioned speakerphone (either attached to the phone or separate) or using SKYPE on your computer on speaker mode, which is terrific.
Purchase a cell phone neutralizer: Aulterra Neutralizer Stickers will neutralize the radiation from your phone.
