While we can no longer do without cell phones in today’s lifestyle, we should limit our use of cell phones to minimize our exposure to radiation and reduce the potential side effects and consequences on our health. (As a public service, I have written no less than 10 articles in the past few months about cell phones and our health.)

Today, people keep on asking: What is considered a “safe” cell phone? Are there adequate safety standards here in the Philippines to protect cell phone users from radiation which may be hazardous to our health? These issues of the use of cell phones have been debated for years. Different studies initiated in several countries on the safety of the use of cell phones continue to this date. Unfortunately, the results of said studies are conflicting and contradictory. Despite this confusing situation, many countries have been reminding their populace to take precautionary measures (even before science determines with certainty that all phones actually cause health problems) on cell phone use.

Let me share again some interesting information on cell phone use:

• Do you know that the weaker the reception, the more power our cell phone must use to transmit; and the more power our cell phone uses, the more radiation it emits resulting in more dangerous waves penetrating into our bodies;

• Do you know that it is safer for us to keep our cell phone as far away from our body as is possible when our phone is on;

• Do you know that cell phone users are estimated to be 4 billion worldwide. In US alone, about 275 million people are cell phone users;

• Do you know that there are studies showing that cell phone users for 10 or more years are subject to more risk (approximately being doubled) to develop brain tumor on whichever side the cell phone is being held most often;

• Do you know that there are studies showing that people who had used cell phones for six or more years have a 60% greater risk to develop “acoustic neuromas,” a tumor affecting the nerve that controls hearing;

• Do you know that as long as your cell phone is on, it emits radiation intermittently even when you are not actually making a cell phone;

• Do you know that the first cell phones were introduced in 1984;

• Do you know that in 2004, one billion cell phones were out. The second billion took another 18 months; nine months to reach the third billion and six months to reach 4 billion cell phones;

• Do you know that in Japan, cell phone use on trains is banned to cut down on “secondhand radiation”;

• Do you know that in France, it is illegal to advertise mobile phones to children;

• Do you know that when one uses a cell phone, 70% of the energy emitted from the antenna is absorbed into one’s head.

• Do you know that it is only at age 20 when a child’s brain is fully developed. Before the age of 20, the child’s skull is thin since his brain is still developing compared to adults.

• Do you know that even if a cell phone is turned on it continually emits EMR (electromagnetic radiation). EMR is the radiation emitted by cell phones.

Have a joyful day!