Reduce the Phone Radiation Threat

The WHO said that it classified cell phone use as a possible carcinogen mainly due to a study which showed heavy use of cell phones use might cause a 40% increased risk of glioma.
WHAT IS GLIOMA?
Glioma is a form of tumor originating in the glial cells, which generally function as the physical support for neurons or regulate the internal environment of the brain, especially the fluid surrounding neurons and their synapses. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Gliomas are characterized as either "high grade" or "low grade." Low grade gliomas are recognized as highly treatable with studies showing that the median survival of a patient diagnosed with them ranges between 11 and 16 years. High grade glioma, on the other hand, carries a poor prognosis. The median survival period of people diagnosed with high grade glioma is often cited as 14 months or less. Despite the fact that surgery and therapy often eliminates the bulk of the tumor, many oncologists call the risk of recurrence of the disease, usually within 2 centimeters of the original tumor, "almost inevitable.".

More specifically, the study cited by the WHO only showed the 40% increase in risk was centered in the 10% of the population who used cell phones most frequently. The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had five scientific labels from which to choose in characterizing cell phones: carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic, not classifiable or probably not carcinogenic. The WHO decided that cell phones should be rated as "possibly carcinogenic" (the middle classification of the five) because of a possible link with glioma.

The American Cancer Society reports that there are about 22,000 cases of brain cancer in the U.S. annually, with about 80%, or about 18,000, being glioma. If we assume that ALL glioma would caused by cell phone use (It obviously would not be.), and that the 40% would be an increase to the 18,000 baseline already established (Which is also not a sound assumption.) there would be an increase of approximately 7,200 cases of phone-induced glioma per year. So 1 in every 12,300 people would develop phone-induced glioma each year. Statistically, however, we need to take into account the fact that many people currently use cell phones and are already exposed to the risk. The numbers of new cases would likely be much lower.

But the Risk Still Exists!

Here is an Interesting Book discussing some of the health risks of Cell Phone Use.

Fortunately, some very simple, common-sense precautions can dramatically cut the risk involved.
Increased risk is related to two factors. The first factor is how much radiation the phone actually emits. So, to reduce your risk . . .

CNET is a review service which examines and reviews all sorts of technical devices ranging from computers and peripherals, to televisions, to cell phones. CNET has developed a list of the

20 Lowest Radiation Phones

and the

20 Highest Radiation Phones

These lists would be a good reference to check if you are considering buying a new phone or replacing an older model and are concerned about the amount of radiation the phone emits.

Your cell phone may have come with a wired headset or ear piece. Many models do. If yours did not, they are very inexpensive and can be readily obtained both online (click the picture to the right) and in brick and mortar stores.
A wired headset decreases your radiation exposure because the phone is further away from your head. Even small distances decrease exposure. With a wired headset or ear piece your phone never needs to get close to your head.
It is still possible for a wired headset may still transmit radiation through the wire itself. This is at a much lower level than the cell phone, but it still concerns some people. If that is the case, you can buy an inexpensive ferrite bead. It attaches to the wire and it absorbs radiation traveling through the wire, reducing how much enters your body.

Once again, distance from your head is the key factor here. placing the phone on your desk or dashboard significantly increases that distance. Greater distance means lesser risk! If your phone is two inches from your head radiation exposure is cut by three fourths!

While Bluetooth technology may emit less RF radiation than a standard cell phone, the longer it is in contact with your head the more you are exposed. If you are certain that you are not going to have any calls for a while, take off the device! Less time for exposure. Greater distance from the device. Lesser risk.

Cell phones don't always emit the same level of radiation. When a cell phone is transmitting, the level of radiation emitted increases. As you move from location to location your cell phone attempts to contact cellular towers. This results in more tranxmissions from the device, and more radiation exposure for you. Some experts even suggest avoiding cell phone use while moving from point to point in a building, such as on an elevator.
Weak signals also cause your cell phone to work harder. As your phone attempts to locate towers while you are in a sparsely covered area ti transmits frequently, thereby exposing you to more RF radiation.

Once again, this is going to come down to "keep the phone away from your head!" Have you read your user's manual. Do you know how far the manufacturer suggests you keep the phone away from your head. Most manufacturers do not want you to hold the phone directly to your ear. That iPhone you carry is supposed to remain 5/8 of an inch away from your head or body while it is transmitting! Blackberry says about an inch. Different manufacturers, different devices, different distances. Read the manual!

Lower radiation levels and a greater distance from your head means that you are not as close to the device. Moving your fingers thumbs rather than your tongue and lips may be the safer way to communicate with your BFF! And if you don't delete it, you'll be able to look over the conversation later!