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May 31st, 2011
04:24 PM ET
6 tips for minimizing cell phone radiationOn Tuesday, scientists at the World Health Organization announced that the agency will now list mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. There haven't been enough long-term studies to make a clear conclusion if radiation from cell phones is safe, but there was enough data to persuade the WHO of a possible connection. Cell phones use non-ionizing radiation, which doesn’t damage DNA the way ionizing radiation does. The cell phone radiation operates more like very low power microwaves, but nobody really likes to think of leaning their face on a low-powered microwave. If the WHO’s labeling of cell phone use as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" has gotten you alarmed, here are some quick basic tips to limit your exposure.
- Get wired It’s no coincidence that most cell phones come with a wired ear piece. A wired headset will automatically decrease your radiation exposure because the phone is away from the body. Every inch you can get away from the body reduces the amount of radiation you are absorbing. A wired headset may still transmit radiation through the wire – but it is a very low level. If that is a concern, you can buy a ferrite bead for just a few bucks at most electronic stores. It attaches to the wire and it absorbs any radiation traveling through the wire, reducing how much enters your body. And it’s not too inconvenient. CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said he uses an earpiece because his neck doesn’t hurt as much after being on a long phone call. Gupta: Cell phones, brain tumors and a wired earpiece – Use the speakerphone This could get quite annoying, if you’re in a public place. But experts say that using the speakerphone function is helpful because you’re keeping the phone away from your brain. Every inch you can get the phone away from your body reduces the radiation. For example, holding out the cell phone by two inches drops the radiation by a factor of four, Magda Havas, an associate professor with the Institute for Health Studies at Trent University in Ontario, Canada, had told CNN. But try not to share your conversation with the whole world. Thanks. – Don’t wear Bluetooth all the time Bluetooth wireless earpieces will expose you to some radiation. However, it would be much less radiation than a cell phone. The problem is that most people wear their Bluetooth all the time. And this isn’t a good look on anyone. If you use a Bluetooth device, switch it from ear to ear so you don't have too much exposure on one side. Just take it out of your ear when you aren't on the phone. – Radiation hot spots Cell phones don’t always emit the same level of radiation. For example, your phone will emit the most radiation when connecting to cellular towers. But a moving phone (like if you are talking while driving) will continually connect to towers that come in and out of range - and this automatically increases power to a maximum as the phone repeatedly attempts to connect to a new antenna. A weak signal will also cause your phone to work harder, giving off more radiation. So avoid using your phone in elevators, buildings and rural areas. Research shows your device emits more radiation when transmitting than when receiving. – Read the fine print Most of us ignore those manuals that come with our gadgetry. But most cell phone safety manuals tell consumers to not keep the phone next to their head, or even in your pocket. Apple iPhone 4 says 5/8 inch away from the body when transmitting. And the BlackBerry Bold says to keep it least 0.98 inch from your body when the BlackBerry device is in use. If you keep it next to your body, the manufacturers can't guarantee that the amount of radiation you're absorbing will be a safe level. – Don’t talk, text If you don’t want to hold the phone next to your face all the time, send text messages or use your email or messaging services if you have a smartphone. This way you avoid putting the phone to your head altogether. And our friends at CNN Tech say the general rule of thumb is that the smarter the phone, the more radiation. CNN's John Sutter contributed to this blog.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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And hundreds of teens just got an excuse to text and drive. Thanks CNN.
idiot
This is so horribly sad esp. when they're not doing everything that they can be doing to keep people safe in Fukushima. Right now they're working on a nuclear powered space ships and the nuclear to power these space ships are going to come from nuclear bombs that they are going to set off so then they can fly. Just imagine how horribly dangerous that is. They're definitely too, I've seen a video. go to http://www.ncnuke.com to read the article and to watch the video.
Alicia, just where in the hell did you get that information? Word of advice, National Enquirer is not a great source
Alicia is referring to nuclear pulse propulsion, a theoretical means of moving spacecraft by using the force of nuclear weapons to push it. Ironically, such a means of propulsion would actually be a godsend to those worried about the dangers of nuclear weapons-not only would it be a non-violent use for the countless stockpiles across the world, but detonating them beyond Earth orbit would have no notable effect on Earth whatsoever AND provide the fastest velocities possible with current technology. The problems with the idea are that A) people are scared of radiation no matter how absurd the fear is, B) it's not as simple as it sounds, since it's hard to do without damaging the spacecraft long-term, and C) the idea is so strange-sounding that it's hard to take seriously.
http://scientificilliteracy.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-see-dumb-people-7-monster-under-bed.html
I just spent 30 mins. on my smartphone reading all about how i should keep this cell phone away from my body.
I've had a cell phone since I was 16. 38 now. I guess my days are numbered. Take care all its been a fun and hard journey. All I wanted to do was look cool with my 20lb motorola tucked in my back pocket. Lol
I will never get threw my tin foil hat. Sarcasm
your meant "throo", right?
Ill be happy to test out the cell phone cancer theroy. I'm more likly to die in a car accedent then have to worry about cell phone radiation. Ill let everybody in ten years how it went.
Yea, you'll talk smart until 10 years fly by and all of a sudden you have brain cancer one day. Then you'll eat those words and be shaking in your boots with the fear of death on your shoulder.
The first symptom you will notice is the misspelling of common words, such as 'accident.'
Here's a tip to prevent cancer...GET OFF THE PHONE!
cancer kills...
Cancer kills all...
What about laptops?? I fall asleep watching movies on my laptop just about every night and so I sleep with my laptop about 5 inches from my head??
Turn the wireless connection off and you should be ok.
Looks like you have double cancer.
Really, this is horrifying. I know 2 people who just contracted brain cancer and are dying. I use my cell rather than my land line. because of convenience. *sigh*
WHO also said that self gratification would make you go blind. Does this mean I could self gratify myself by stomping my phone into useless radioactive waste?
Seems like everything we do lately is dangerous, food, radiation,medicine shots, etc etc, I mean yes of course ppl have some clue about the danger in cell phones.. But do people care? No they don't, and I highly doubt anyone is gonna change the way they use their phones,so.. Let's add this to the list of things people will ignore just because its easier to stay ignorant.. Hence global warming..
Tc
Good tips, except for the last one... I have lots of talk minutes in my subscription, and no text messages for free. So, I'd rather talk and text. But I'm wired most of the times. Maybe because I use my cell phone as an mp3 player also...
Why don't you just try to be quiet and do something constructive?
Just F-ing don't use a cell phone unless you really need to. People look so stupid walking around talking. Annoying and dangerous. AND WHY do people talk so loud on a cell phone so that everyone around can hear?? This time technology created too many problems.
Whoever wins the first game of the series is a shoe in to win it entirely
Sincerely,
The 2011 Chicago Bulls
you mean "a shew in", right?
Shoe-in is correct, as is shoo-in. Means perfect fit or obvious choice. He was correct, you need to try again.
AND, before cell phones, people found other ways of communication. If you're talking all the time on a cell, think about it. Is it really necessary? Of course not.
WHO is being irresponsible by placing cellphones in the same group as lead. There has not been a single conclusive study that did not rely upon subjective data, or that contained any real data. It's like saying that it always rains when I want to play golf. WHO is saying "screw scientific method and statistical analysis." Just because more long term studies are needed does not make cellphones worthy of a phobia response, which is what you'll see in a lot of uninformed people, like those cheering for WHO's (non-)classification that cellphones "may" be as hazardous as other substances which have not been determined, but are assumed hazardous. It's a lame way to avoid any blame if a link is found in 10 years. There is ZERO scientific data PROVING any link between cellphones and brain cancers. Read the basis and you'll see. Asking people already w/cancer about past usage is not science. It's anecdotal, just like the basis and defense of chiropractic and naturopathic medicines. "Oh sure, I took 50 of these tablets and now I feel great!"
You are nuts. Get a life and save your breath for your cell phone.
Epidemiology is good science.
posted from my tumorPhone 4
Actually, the comparison to lead is pretty reasonable.
Lead isn't much of a carcinogen, if it is one. It's toxic, yes, but that's not what WHO is talking about.
They're specifically talking about causing cancer, and it's possible, but far from proven, that lead is carcinogenic. If lead is carcinogenic, that's a much smaller risk than simple lead poisoning.
Cell phones may be carcinogenic, but if they are, they're a very weak carcinogen or the data would be clear by now. If cell phones are carcinogenic, that's a much smaller threat than death-by-distraction.
I used to sell cell phones back in the days where they would have sued you if you suggested putting warnings suggesting a causal link of any kind between cell phones and cancer. To this day, there is no legal requirement in the US for a radiation warning label. A few things have become clear over the years, however. The most telling is probably the fact that nearly all the research which failed to turn up any hazard whatsoever was brought to you by the companies that manufacture and sell cell phones. That in itself may not convince you to take a second look, so before you go spouting off about the findings of the studies, go check the small warning print that comes in the box with your new cell phone. Ask yourself this: if there wasn't any relationship between cell phones and cancer, why does my product information contain a warning? Why a disclaimer?
JC: It's the same reason your coffee cup says 'contents are hot' or an iron comes with the warning label 'do not iron clothing while wearing it'. Pretty stupid, but someone's done it/sued for it and won because it wasn't labeled as dangerous to do such a thing with it.
I always hung my cell phone on waist belt clip but lately my waistline is growing. Could that be because of this?
Enjoy the silence. No talking.
I don't know about you, I'm going to throw my phone away.
While I'm at it I might as well move to a cave... or, even better, a cold war era underground nuclear bunker.
Yes, can you please through next to my house...ready to take some radiation free
I just saw an ad for low radiation cell phone.
COMPARE a few brands for the output POWER LEVELS when (making and receiving calls) transmitting. Search Google fro specs.
As an electrical engineer who has spent 30 years designing communication electronics, this "warning" is a bit stupid, to say the least. We all exist in a sea of electromagnetic radiation. Can someone show a study that is objective, unbiased and conclusive? Not to my knowledge. There has been many studies on this and I know of none that are conclusive. This is all over the media today and there really is nothing new to report, and a lot of wild speculation and "safety suggestions" being made that really are not going to change anything.
Yes, we do exist in a giant electromagnetic field, BUT that type of radiation is much lower and harmless(so far ...) BECAUSE it is NOT CONCENTRATED or FOCUSED so to speak on any part of your body. Modern cell phones are getting slimmer, which means the power antenna is much closer to your brain than the old Motorola; also the emitting power is higher because of today's multi-band (900, 1800Mhz, etc.) more power is spread around your ear and brain. There is no question about it.
So, don't throw away your phones. If you use a cell phone a lot, and for longer periods of time, then definitely using smaltalk IS A MUST. Teenagers and young adults are more exposed to it than older type folks.
Cocoput2-no, it's not. A cell phone emits ZERO ionizing radiation. The sun emits lots of it. I don't think you know the first thing about what you're trying to talk about if you'd try to compare the two.
I have had a cell phone for the last eight years idk what I would do without it but with ever thing els that causes cancer this is not my top worrie
Yeah, I would be more worried about your spelling and grammar. I have noticed that the people that post the most are the ones with the worst grammar and spelling. I think there should be a study on this phenomenon.
As I text this, from my smartphone, I notice the ignorant, basterdize use of the English language. So much concern that cellphones damage the brain...half these ignorant people can not spell the simple words they have posted lol. Does it matter if they suffer ill efects? Flakes...use your phones, eat your over cooked foods, smoke your tobacco and stop worrying so much...thank God for reefer
First, check your own "basterdize" – then talk...
You should probably also be aware that 'over-cooked' should be hyphenated. Improper grammar and diction have likely killed more people than cell phones ever will.
Yes, and a couple if years from now this story will change, just like all the other stuff they flip flop about; raise your good cholesterol...oh wait, that won't help and may make matters worse...and all the other garbage they can't make up their minds about. Instead of constantly wasting millions of $$$ on useless studies that no one pays attention to because they've cried wolf one too many times, why don't they funnel all this money into the research for a cancer cure? Nvm, I know why...because if they found a cure it would hurt a hella lotta people on their pocketbooks.
A ferrite bead does not absorb radiation! Please use proper science.
It would stop RF from radiating on the earpiece wires, but that's already built into the phone, in order to meet FCC EMI requirements. They needed to talk with people who understand cell phones, EMI and the associated topics, and its evident that they did not.
Its just like pot it has not killed no one
But it CAN ruin your life without even realizing it.
New study: driving or riding in an automobile may be hazardous to you're health...lol 8 out of 10 of us will suffer some cancer or devastating disease before we die, let's make life enjoyable and stop worrying about these stupid studies, I thought we as Americans were smarter than this
"you're" = "you are". You want "your"
Companies coming out with new products have only one thing in mind. Money. Your health is your responsibility. Do tobacco companies CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?
Interesting that the running score of comments on this topic is "not to worry, not take precautions, and if cancer happens, well it happens." But when a worst case occurs, people tend to get angry, blame God, blame the technology, blame the government, and who knows what or whom else. So, if you choose to blithely use your cell phone now and ignore the warning, don't go blaming anyone or anything but yourself when bad news comes your way.
The people who are afraid of this study also stocked up on food and water for Y2K...morons
If the cell phone companies know this if this is really dangerous as outlined in the fine print why don't they prevent it? Phones could be earpiece only and they could quit selling belt clips in the store.
This is not news. That crazy like a fox British Billionaire brought this to everyone's attention years ago. But no one listened
Look who is talking! "Basterdize" – REALLY!
How please define and proof them
which cell phone'damane is the least?
Probably earlier models with single Band AND the antenna sticking OUT at the REAR of the cell phone.
Wow this is a very interesting article. I allways sleep with my phone under my pillow and find I've been laying on it or something. Guess I should start changing a lot of things that I do with my Blackberry.
time to get my pegions out of the box!
its like cigarettes...we know they kill, teh companies selling them know they kill, but they still sell and we still smoke...its all about the money, honey...
Ive had a cell since middle school. i know people whove had one since pre puberty years....why are we all still alive and kicking? ohh and btw, who uses their phone when there is no signal (elevator) that verizon guy was sooo annoying!
We as people are getting more stupid by the day. We went from end of the world and preping for a zombie apocolypse stated by the cdc. Let's Get real people and stop drinking and smoking. Read, read, read, read and find out what is going on today.
This story is total bull. I'm an expert on the subject and it's total crap. You get thousands of time more "radiation" by standing in the sunlight.
The sun burns you from the outside in, and you feel the signs such as sunburn, and you can heel ... infra-red energy, etc.. Cell phones can cook you much slower from the inside out ... and by the time you find out, you're TOAST (period) – Mr. expert !?
Can bio-disc reduce the radiation?
Oh my God - do you know what this means? We're actually going to have to plan time to physically get together with people and talk face to face without a phone. Or not talk so much while out doing other things that we should probably be giving or full attention to. Like when a cashier rings us up in a supermarket - we may have to actually acknowledge that she's there because we can't talk on our cell phones so much. We may have to go back to connecting with people around us rather than screwing around with our 4G friends. Is it possible that we've just discovered something positive about cancer?
More studies please on cells, cordless phones, and laptops using wifi. I'm also curious what effects long term 3D viewing has on the eyes & brain.
This is retarded!
The anxiety from scaring people into thinking they're getting cancer is going to be more harmful than anything! No wonder everybody's blood pressure is up these days...
Thanks to Dr. Gupta ad CNN for bringing this to the public. You and the CNN staff are commendable, extraordinary.
What about the loud speaker usage? What's the extent of risk while using these.
Also, what are the symptoms that should be expected after a reasonable prolong use?
I have dual sim cell phoe does it mean more radiations.......hahahaha I am going to die early then many stupid ppl.....
This just in: WHO has revealed that your death is a direct result of your conception. Keep that in mind folks!!!
My phone is usually close to my junk... great. Thanks cell phone, I guess I'll go live in the mountains and start that race from The Hills Have Eyes