Is your cell phone safe?

I was reading an article on the internet about safe cell phone use and thought you might like to read this information too. The article has two long paragraphs talking about testing that is being done on the safety of cell phones. Here is the suggestions from the doctor, writing the article, on how to stay safe while using you cell phone.......

Dr. Herberman's memo included 10 practical suggestions for the safe use of cell phones, developed by a committee of international experts, of which he is a member. Here is an edited version...

1. Do not allow children under 10 to use a cell phone, except for emergencies. (Note: The developing organs of a fetus or child are especially sensitive to electromagnetic fields, so pregnant moms and parents with young children should pay particular attention.)

2. Hold your cell phone as far away from your body as you can, even while talking -- for instance, using a headset or speaker whenever possible. The amplitude of the electromagnetic field goes down to one-fourth when the phone is held two inches away ... and to 1/16 at four inches. A wireless Bluetooth headset has less than 1/100th of the electromagnetic emission of a normal cell phone. Also, be aware that the phones typically ramp up power at the start of a call.

3. Avoid using your cell phone in crowded places, where you'll be exposing others to your phone's electromagnetic fields.

4. Reduce electromagnetic emissions by minimizing time spent carrying your cell phone on your person or even sitting nearby -- for instance, while sleeping, keep your phone at least two feet away. This is especially important if you are pregnant. Another safety strategy is to use the "flight" or "off-line" mode, which blocks emissions but still lets you play games or check your calendar.

5. If your cell phone has an internal antenna, keep the back of the phone pointed out and away from you so that the transmitted electromagnetic fields are not directed at your body.

6. Use your cell phone to establish contact or only for brief conversations. For longer conversations, use a land line.

7. When making a call, wait till the person you are calling has picked up before putting your cell phone to the ear. This limits both the power and duration of your electromagnetic exposure. Also, regularly switch from one ear to the other while talking.

8. If your cell phone signal is weak, wait until it is stronger to use it. Similarly avoid using it when you are traveling in a vehicle at high speed -- this automatically increases the phone's power output as it repeatedly attempts to connect to a new relay antenna.

9. Text messages limit duration of exposure and proximity of the phone to the body -- use these instead of calls to communicate whenever you can.

10. Choose a device with the lowest SAR possible (SAR = Specific Absorption Rate, which is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body). Aim for an SAR of below 1.6 watts per kilogram of body weight.

Source(s):

Ronald B. Herberman, MD, founding director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh.

Note from Lucy: As some of you know, I go to a natural health care doctor. He tested me, while holding my cell phone, and suggested that I wear a magnetic bracelet on my wrist while using the cell phone. Ever since then, I wear two little magnetic bracelets when I am using my cell phone or am using my ham radio, since the emit radio waves. I think I would rather be safe than sorry. TF used a hands free unit while driving. So far I haven't been able to get him to wear the magnetic bracelets.....it just isn't "manly"....

Have a great week everyone......