Cell Phones- Friend or Foe?

Cell phones- they have become literally like an evolutionary additional appendage that grows out from our hands, (or hips if you are a belt clipper). But are these nifty devices that simplify our life 100% friend? Not a simple answer. They definitely are our friends because they allow us to stay in closer contact with our loved ones, organize all the details of our lives, play our favorite tunes and have many other great features.

Foe- these pocket size wonders carry radiation, energy that is emitted from one source that gets absorbed by another. In particular it carries electromagnetic radiation, the same type of radiation emitted as microwaves. Each cell phone has an SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate. The SAR determines how much radiation the cell phone emits. Check out http://www.cellrisk.com/ to look up your cell phone’s SAR.

If your cell phone’s SAR is under a 0.8, it is considered to be on the low end of the scale and emits low radiation. If your phone has an SAR of more than 1.3, it is considered to be a high radiation cell phone, and you should definitely try the following:

1. Try not to hold your cell phone up to your head. Use a headset or a blue tooth, which emits significantly less radiation.
2. When you won’t be using your cell phone- dare I say, turn it off (smile).
3. Purchase a cell phone protection chip (a small black chip that adheres to the side of your cell phone which reduces its radiation) at http://www.emfnews.org/products.html#ebook0 or you can place a phone order with Back To The Middle.

There are some sources that state radiation from cell phones is nothing to worry about. I think it is much like what has happened in previous generations of great inventions that people loved only to find out about its negative impact later- for example cigarettes were once believed to be safe.

It’s great to have technology and things that make our life easier. Hey I’m not about to give up my CrackBerry, but let’s be safe. Following the above steps, whether your cell phone’s SAR level is low or high, but particularly if it’s high is better for our health and makes the cell phone 100% friend. Now go ahead and get back to your texting.