Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt.
People are obsessed with their cells phones. They have to have the newest and the latest with all the bells and whistles. They always seem to be on them. You can’t even have a civil conversation with some people since they are constantly checking their emails and texting. But could all this accessibility come with a price?
According to the Environmental Working Group,based upon their 10-month research to understand cell phone risks, they found that cell phones do emit radiation. In fact, the EWG found that it is enough to cause concern about potential cancer risk. Until more conclusive research is done as to the effects of this radiation, the EWG has compiled a list of the most comprehensive online consumer guide to cell phone radiation. They have rated more than 1,000 cell phones marketed in the U.S.
“In our Cell Phone Radiation Guide you will be able to:
So many of my friends carry Blackberrys. When I clicked through to see who was the worse offender, the Blackberry Curve was fourth on the list of those phones that emit high levels of radiation compared to other phones. A Blackberry Curve emits a level of radiation of 1.54 W/kg) compared to a Blackberry Storm, which emits only .57 W/kg of radiation when held up to your ear.
In addition, a Blackberry Curve emits .99 W/kg compared to the Storm’s .5 W/Kg when worn on your body. So instead of recycling your phone, how can you reduce your exposure? The EWG’s reduction tips include:
- wearing a headset. Check here for a list.
- listen more than talk or text. Your phone emits more radiation when you text or talk.
- hold the phone away from your body while using a headset or speakerphone.
- Less bars means more radiation.
- Most importantly, limit young children’s use of cell phones since their brains can absorb twice the amount of radiation as an adult.
Check your own phone and let us know where your phone rates. Heed the advice of the EWG and be accessible and safe.
Brendan @ PlentyWays says
Good article. Its true we don’t know that much about the health effects of a technology we use so frequently.
I have it on good authority though that cell phone signal boosters can help. They can boost the signal in your home/office from a poor signal into a really strong one. The problem with cell phones is that when there is a poor signal they have to boost the power (read radiation) they emit in order to place a call. If the signal strength is very good then your phone doesn’t need to emit as much radiation.
More info here: http://www.repeaterstore.com
.-= Brendan @ PlentyWays´s last blog ..Belu – Carbon Neutral and Biodegradable Bottled Water =-.
Green Talk says
Brendan, does the booster emit radiation. Do you have an article about the booster? Anna
LisaatEWG says
Thanks so much for spreading the word about our report, and sharing the tips to reduce exposure while remaining a (safer!) cell phone user. Best, Lisa
Luc J says
Hi Anna,
Here’s some info on the boosters: http://www.cleverandeasy.com/M.....ption.html
I mailed one of the manufacturers and they confirmed my suspicion that the phone will emit less radiation when it can communicate through the booster. The booster itself also emits radiation, but radiation strongly decreases with distance so, if you’re not sitting next to it, it doesn’t really matter.
Anyhow, I think that there is no reason for panic, but better safe then sorry. I take precautions myself and there’s no way that our little daughter will get a cell phone before she really needs one.
One remark about your post: texting is not bad, it’s good because you don’t hold the phone to your head when texting.
.-= Luc J´s last blog ..Cool Your Lap Without Draining Your Laptop’s Battery =-.
Kirsten Corsaro says
Oh no… not only do I love talking on the phone, I have terrible reception in my neighborhood. I hadn’t heard before that less bars=more radiation. Thanks for the booster tip, Brendan.
Anware @ Online Movie Blog says
I definitely think that it can be bad for your health, primarily though from getting so wrapped up and in technology. Life should be about being off that cell phone, sitting by a lake fishing or another family friendly activity. I will tell you what though, I sure am glad that you addressed it in this post. If only more people believed me when I say that technology can become very harmful to ones soul and life.
.-= Anware @ Online Movie Blog´s last blog ..Watch movie The Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger for free online! =-.
waterproof cordless phone says
This is the second time I heard about this so far. I love talking on my phone but, I just cut down on minutes so now i text. Those are unlimited.
I gotta share this with my friends. Thanks for sharing. 😉
.-= waterproof cordless phone´s last blog ..Big Button Cordless Phone =-.
Watch Movies For Free says
It is true that cell phones do emit radiation. BUT is it harmful to our health? As we know radiation can cause ionization (loss of an electron) in atoms or molecules. So the live cells are affected even with small radiation.