What’s the Deal With Cell Phone Radiation?
While there’s near-unanimous agreement on the indispensable roles cell phones play in our lives, there’s less consensus over the potential effects of cell phone radiation. Is it really hazardous to our health? Is it more dangerous for kids? Or are the risks overstated?
According to the EWG’s fall 2009 report, cell phone radiation is similar to the kind that’s emitted by televisions or radio—and therefore aren’t as harmful as the stuff that comes out of say, x-ray machines. Safer though it may be, however, most scientists agree that even the radiation from cell phones and other electronics can still penetrate body tissue. And since cell users are in closer proximity to the radiation emitted by their devices than TV watchers or radio listeners, the chances for absorbing the waves are greater.
What effects does cell phone radiation actually have on the body? Since cell phone technology hasn’t been around very long, science isn’t sure. While earlier, short-term studies found no ill effects, more recent research has yielded unsettling results, including an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Fortunately, you don’t have to swear off cell phones to reduce your level of radiation exposure. Some ways to stay safer:
- Use a headset. It emits less radiation than a cell phone held directly to your ear.
- When possible, choose a land line. If someone calls your cell while you’re at home or work, tell them you’ll call back on your regular phone.
- Text. It causes phones to emit less radiation than voice, so use text messaging for quick correspondence.
- Avoid weak signals. They make cell phones work harder, causing them to emit radiation.
- Choose a low-radiation phone. Check out the EWG’s website to find out how safe your phone is. And when it’s time to buy a new one, opt for a phone that’s designated low-radiation.
- Keep kids away. Since their skulls are softer and thinner, children’s brains absorb twice as much radiation as adults. Limit young kids’ cell phone use to only when necessary.
Marygrace, KIWI staff writer
Tags: cell phone radiation, radiation
1 comment
Thanks for sharing this. One thing I’ve read is that if you have a weak signal at home, it’s possible to buy devices to help make it stronger, which is probably a good idea for people who don’t have a land line and rely on their cell alone.
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