Cell Phone Radiation Protection
Technology to Protect you from cell phone EMFs
Emerging Technology
Potential Cell Phone Dangers
Cell phones have become a necessary part of our everyday lives. There are more than 303 million mobile phone users in America. Typically users spend 11 hours per month speaking on their mobile phones. Concerns have grown in the science and research communities related to the growing exposure cell phone users have to the electro-magnetic radiation that mobile phones emit. Unfortunately it is impossible to ask cell phone users to discontinue their use of cell phone technology because they have become such an important tool in our society.
The radiation that cell phone users are being exposed to is known as radiofrequency (RF) energy. The fear is that this energy may pose a negative effect on human tissue cells, causing cell phone radiation to come under intense scrutiny. More specifically, researchers are concerned about the potential negative effects on the brain and skull, given that they receive the most exposure to cell phone radiation. This fact isn’t lost on the cell phone manufacturer’s either. In fact, take a look at the Apple iPhone 4 User Guide:
"iPhone's SAR measurement may exceed the FCC exposure guidelines for bodily worn operation if positioned less than 15 mm (5/8 inch) from the body...
To be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, [Industry Canada], and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions and precautions.
When on a call using the built-in audio receiver in iPhone, hold iPhone with the dock connector pointed down toward your shoulder to increase separation from the antenna. When using iPhone near your body for voice calls or for wireless data transmission over a cellular network, keep iPhone at least 15 mm (5/8 inch) away from the body..."
More conclusive evidence is needed before we know the entire breadth of what cell phone radiation causes. Most researchers and concerned cell phone users are electing to take steps to cut down on their unnecessary exposure to near-field radiation. Here are a few ideas these people are recommending:
- Limit time on cell phones
- Use a wired headset
- Use a case that reduces cell phone radiation
- Don’t carry your cell phone in your pocket
- Consider texting instead of calling
The Case for Protection
We are living in a great technological age. Every few days, if not sooner, we are being introduced to bigger, faster, and sleeker consumer technology. This is seen best when looking at cell phone technology. Mobile phone technology has evolved from a full handset sandwiched between two cars seats, or if you were lucky a huge brink of a phone being dragged around, to a hand-sized mobile computer. Most people didn’t even have a computer 15 or 20 years ago, and now many of us carry one in a front pocket.
As every good thing in life, this doesn’t come free of charge. Not only are these phones becoming increasingly more expensive, but there are other tolls these phones take on us. As cell phone technology becomes more powerful, they emit more and more radiation. While the jury is still out on whether or not this radiation has the potential to cause negative health effects, it is best for consumers to take any precaution they can to reduce any unnecessary exposure to this form of radiation.
The question arises of how can cell phone users protect themselves from this potentially harmful radiation. The easiest explanation is simple in essence; don’t use the cell phone so much. Of course that is easier said than done in a society that has become increasingly more dependent of cell phone usage. Whether it is a parent trying to make sure their child has a constant form of communication to stay safe, or a businessman shooting of 100 emails a day from his iPhone, cell phones have become a necessary staple in our everyday lives. We can’t just stop using cell phones. That is an unrealistic goal to ask from people.
There are products out there that claim to prevent exposure to cell phone radiation. Most common are the patches that help block the radiation and radio waves emitted from the phone. The problem with that is cell phones require that energy to work, and in turn most phones either don’t work as well, or end up emitting more radiation to regain a connection to a cell tower. The latest breakthrough is cell phone case companies creating cases the redirect the cell phone radiation away from the affected human tissue that comes into contact with the electro-magnetic radiation (EMR). This is an impressive technology, giving that these phone cases have been lab tested to not reduce cell phone strength while cutting down on the amount of radio waves absorb by the body by 60-95%.
Whether or not you are a skeptic or a constant worrier, it is best for any consumer to stay on top of this debate over the potential dangers of cell phone radiation on our bodies. The saying “better safe than sorry” may be cliché, but it has never hurt anyone in the past.