New Meaning to “Shut Up and Drive” Cell Phone Bumper Stickers

March 8th, 2010. By AbiK

As Maine continues to debate a proposed bill that would require cell phone manufacturers to put warning labels on cell phones and packaging stating that they can cause brain cancer, particularly in children, it’s a good time to review some tips—some of which may surprise you—on how you can try to reduce your risk of radiation exposure from your cell phone.

The bill, by the way, is sponsored by Rep. Andrea Boland—and has strong supporters on both sides of the debate. Boland was quoted in an Associated Press article as saying that the US lags behind other countries that have either mandated similar warnings or endorsed policies warning the public about cell phone use. The article also quotes supporters of the bill as referring to continued unregulated cell phone use as  “playing Russian roulette”, and that “We can do nothing and wait for the body count.”—likening the situation to big tobacco. Meanwhile, those in opposition to the bill cite lack of conclusive scientific research.

The following list of tips for reducing cell phone radiation exposure is from the Environmental Working Group (EWG):

1. Buy a low-radiation phone. Do your research—EWG publishes lists of the highest and lowest cell phones and smart phones based on levels of radiation emitted. The phones are listed by model number so you can look up your specific model.

2. Use a headset or speaker. Wireless or wired headsets emit less radiation than the cell phone itself—and the idea is to try to keep the cell phone out of direct contact with yourself. EWG does state that some wireless headsets emit continuous low-level radiation, so it’s best not to wear your headset when you’re not on a call. Using the speakerphone option on your phone will also help to keep the phone at a distance—though it’s obviously not always convenient.

3. Talk less. This is where the new meaning of “Shut up and Drive” comes into play. Apparently, cell phones emit more radiation when you’re speaking into them, or texting, vs. when you’re just listening or receiving messages. Who knew?

4. Hold the phone away from your body. Just because you don’t have the phone up to your ear during a conversation doesn’t mean your not exposed to radiation. Don’t keep the phone in your chest pocket or on your belt—soft body tissue can absorb radiation.

5. Texting is better than talking. Except of course when you’re driving. But cell phones use less power, or radiation, to send text as opposed to voice. Added benefit: when you text the phone is away from your body.

6. Stay off the phone when you have a poor or low signal. The phone will emit more radiation to get the signal to the tower.

7. Limit children’s use of cell phones. According to EWG, young children’s brains absorb twice the amount of cell phone radiation as an adults.

8. Don’t use a “radiation shield“. Radiation shields such as antenna caps and keypad covers reduce the connection quality and transmit at a higher power with higher radiation.

Tags: Cell Phone Radiation, Cell Phones

This was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Emerging Issues . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.