A previous article by this author outlined the dangers of radiation to human health. The "electromagnetic loads" on humans can lead to:
- Concentration Problems, ADD
- Tinnitus, Migraines, Insomnia
- Arrhythmia, Parkinson's Disease
- Back pains, Cancer
The health effects of radiation on the human body are continually under investigation and there are international calls for industry standards and regulations. The following describes a number of precautions to take (based on a next-up.org listing) in order to minimize the health risks when using a cell phone. These are categorized according to various radiation factors.
Phone Time and Distance
Phone calls should be limited to those that are absolutely necessary and be restricted to a maximum of six minutes, which is the time the body needs to adjust. A hands-free kit is preferable with the phone not be more than 20 to 30cm away from the body, in order to limit the impact of radiation. The phone should not be carried directly on the body, even on stand-by.
Age of Users
Children under 15 years of age should not use a cell phone while they are still growing. Incident radiation is more damaging on lighter body weight. Especially vulnerable is the brain itself, the Blood-Brain Barrier and the reproductive organs. The elderly and pregnant women should also be discouraged from using a cell phone.
Cell Phone Reception Considerations
Confined Space
The cell phone should be used only in conditions of optimum reception. The phone should not be used in a confined space, such as:
- Elevator
- Basement
- Underground station
- Caravan, etc.
In these situations the strength of the signal, both sending and receiving, is much more intense than normal. It should be noted that a cell phone should not be left switched on beside the bed at night because even when on stand-by, it is in contact with the nearest phone mast and emits radiation at regular intervals.
Moving Space
One should not use the phone operating from a moving space, such as: moving vehicle, train, or bus. In such a situation, the phone's antenna is constantly scanning for contact at the maximum operating signal strength; the radiation from both incoming and outgoing signals become intensified.
Closed Conducting Space
It is essential to step out of a vehicle before making a call. An enclosed metal container produces what is known as the "Faraday cage" effect, which concentrates the damaging impact of radiation, affecting all passengers.
Recommendations - Choosing Cell Phone and Usage
Choose Low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
It is preferable to acquire a phone with the lowest possible SAR rating, which is the microwave radiation's absorption rate by human tissue. Note, the current regulation limit is 1.1W/kg for the eye-sockets and cheeks.
Choose Correct Antenna Type
A cell phone ought to have an external antenna, even if it is less trendy, because it is an omnidirectional antenna that broadcasts with maximum efficiency, using a weaker signal than a phone with an inbuilt antenna.
Avoid Metallic Objects
One should avoid increased radiation through the phenomena of reflection, amplification, resonance, and passive re-emission. People should avoid metallic objects in the vicinity their head, including inside the body. For example, amalgam fillings and dental bridges, metal plates, screws, clips, body ornaments, earrings and metal-framed glasses. The phone should not be used near walking frames, wheelchairs and metal crutches.
Take Protective Action
People should use protective items proved effective as shielding from radiation: metal phone carrying case, anti-radiation fabric and veils, metallic foil wallpaper, and anti-radiation paint. Also, it is advisable to make as many phone calls as possible using landlines, which emit no radiation.
Harry P. Schlanger - Hello, I started out as a physicist working for research organisations. Mostly in the area of heat transfer in solids and porous media. ...
