Protection from Cell Phone Radiation
Live Healthier Radiation-Free
 
Ways to live healthier by avoiding unnecessary exposure to cell phone radiation

Healthy Living
Potential Cell Phone Dangers
Cell phones are ubiquitous today; On average, there are more than 303 million mobile phone users in America who spend 11 hours per month speaking on their cellphones. The number of mobile phone users and the time they spend using these devices will continue to increase. Experts have grown progressively more worried about the potential health implications with regards to the heightened exposure to the near-field radiation that mobile phones emit.  

Using cell phones exposes us to a form of radiation called radiofrequency (RF) energy.  This energy could have effects on human tissue (most commonly in the head, as you place the phone next to your ear when you talk), causing cell phone radiation to come under intense debate. Cell phone manufacturers themselves include warnings about potential cell phone dangers due to exposure to radiation emitted by the devices in their user manuals. Look at 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..."


More conclusive evidence is needed regarding risks from cell phone radiation before stronger action is taken by governments and manufacturers. Here are some simple ways you and your family can limit exposure to near-field 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
Why Worry?!

Get Peace of Mind using The Precautionary Principle
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 closer you are to a base station (or tower), the lower the SAR level will be because the amount of RF energy necessary to make these connections depends on the distance of the user from the tower or station. This does not mean that cell phones with lower SAR levels are safer than those with higher SAR levels.  SAR levels, can still be harmful even at varying amounts.

Governments all over the world have acknowledged the potential negative effects of SAR and consequently have created guidelines for cell phones manufacturers to follow when designing mobile phones for consumer use.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in the United States, 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, and thus maximum acceptable levels are higher than in the US.

With cell phones becoming an ever-increasing part of our everyday life, it is crucial to be aware of the realities of SAR and the ways to protect ourselves.  Remember, even when your phone is in your pocket, it is still emitting radio frequencies---some cellphone manufacturers have suggested using a Bluetooth headset as a means to reduce the cell phone radiation emitted directly to the head, but any tissue is vulnerable.