Potential Cell Phone Dangers

Cell phones are ubiquitous today, with over 303 million mobile phone users in America. These users spend on average 11 hours a month speaking on their mobile phones. Experts have grown much more concerned with the potential health implications related to the heightened exposure to the near-field radiation that mobile phones emit, as the number of cell phone users and the time they spend using these devices also increases. 

Using cell phones exposes us to a form of radiation called radiofrequency (RF) energy.  This energy might have effects on human tissue causing cell phone radiation to come under intense scrutiny. The issue was focused most commonly towards the head, as you place the phone next to your ear when you talk. Even cell phone manufacturers themselves include warnings about potential cell phone dangers due to exposure to near-field radiation emitted by the devices in their user manuals, such as this excerpt from 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..."

While more definitive evidence is needed regarding cell phone risks before stronger action is taken by governments and manufacturers, there are some ways you and your family can limit exposure to cell phone radiation:

• ·         Limit time on cell phones
• ·         Use a wired headset
• ·         Use a Pong case, the only case proven to reduce SAR
• ·         Don’t carry your cell phone in your pocket
• ·         Consider texting instead of calling

What is SAR?

We must first understand SAR and its definition, when it comes to understanding the effects of radiation from cell phone use on humans.  SAR, or specific absorption rate, is a “way of measuring the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body,” according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA).  Cell phones produce RF energy to connect with cell towers and base stations.  The amount of RF energy necessary to make these connections depends on the distance of the user from the tower or station, meaning the closer you are to a base station (or tower), the lower the SAR level will be.  This does not mean, however, that cell phones with lower SAR levels are safer than those with higher SAR levels.  SAR levels, even at varying amounts, can still be harmful.

Institutions all over the world have acknowledged the potential negative effects of SAR and in turn, have created holistic guidelines for cell phones manufacturers to follow when designing cellphones for consumer use.  In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that the maximum SAR level permissible for commercial cell phones is 1.60 Megawatts per kilogram averaged over one gram of human tissue.  However, in Europe SAR is measured over 10 grams of human tissue.  Thus maximum acceptable levels are higher than in the US.

Cell phones have become such an integrated part of our everyday life, thus it is important to be aware of the realities of SAR and the means to protect ourselves.  Some mobile phone manufacturers have suggested using a Bluetooth headset as a way to reduce the SAR level emitted directly to the head but do not forget, even when your phone is in your pocket, it is still emitting radio frequencies.