MANILA, Philippines — This is the sixteenth (16th) article that I have written in this column on the health effects on the use of cell phones… as a public service to remind cell phone users of the harmful effects of the excessive use of cell phones because of the radiation exposure. Radiation emitted by cell phones is known as electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Our human body is exposed to radiation while making or receiving calls.

Here are additional health tips on the use of cell phones that I got from the Internet. Should you wish to confirm the information I am sharing with the readers of this column; or should you need further information to convince you of the health risks of cell phone radiation, please check the Internet:

• Do you know that radiation does not come only from cell phones but also from other household items as well like computers, hairdryers, clock radio, microwave ovens and dishwashers in the kitchen, and other electrical appliances;

• Do you know that a cell phone radiation shield (a small device that is attached to the earpiece of a call phone) can reduce the radiation that causes cancer by directing the radiation waves away from the ear? Hopefully, a cell phone radiation shield would soon be fitted to every cell phone sold, to reduce, if not totally eliminate cell phone radiation;

• Do you know that our bodies are exposed to varying levels of electromagnetic radiation during waking hours. This being the case, our bodies should be exposed to low electromagnetic radiation during the night so we can have a restful sleep. How? Simply by following these precautions:- unplug all electrical items in the sleeping area like computers, Wi-Fi, cell and portable phones, lamps and other electronics. Better still, to turn-off the fuses directly; distance any cordless phone base station about two (2) feet from the head in the bed; the bed should be positioned in such a way that the head is at least 3-6 feet from all electrical outlets; also beds that have some metal springs and/or frames can lead to a non-restful nights. Sleeping on a non-metal bed and mattress is more healthful;

• Do you know that there are many people suffering from the so-called “electro-sensitive condition” (electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome). They experience pain and other symptoms (like headaches, dizziness, nausea, sleep problems, chest pain, earache, loss of memory, poor concentration, and depression) when they use their cell phones or when they are near Wi-Fi signals or other wireless devices like computers;

• Do you know that a certain fellow who spent more than 40 hours a week building, testing, and repairing the tower microwave amplifiers for the base stations of cell phones for 16 years died of brain damage, brain tumor, and cancer at the young age of 48;

• Do you know that the choice of cellular phone can influence a person’s exposure to cell phone radiation. Different cell phones have different quantity of the so-called “radio frequency” (RF) energy that is absorbed by our bodies. This is also called the SAR (specific absorption rate) level. Cell phone users should therefore inquire about the SAR level (digital) of the brand of cell phones they buy. In other words, we can reduce our radiation exposure by choosing the correct cell phone which is a cell phone with a low SAR. The SAR level of a cell phone is listed in its instruction manual. SAR of cell phones can range from as high as 1.6 to as low as 0.34. The lower the SAR level (the lower the number, that is) the better because the higher the SAR, the more radiation is absorbed;

• Do you know that there is no such thing as a safe dose of radiation because the effects of exposure to radiation are cumulative and therefore repeated and increase exposure to radiation in the body correspondingly continue to damage our body tissue and organs;

• Do you know that the so-called “dirty electricity” that refers to electric power that comes from our appliances, television, stereos, and other electrical appliances has also being associated with a wide range of illnesses;

• Do you know that it is safer to use cell phone outdoors? As much as possible, we should avoid using cell phones within an enclosed area, such as in a car, train, or plain, or within three feet of small children;

• Do you know that when one in the rural area or in an elevator or a car, where the cell phone uses more power, the brain will get a greater exposure from the higher power required in these instances;

• Do you know that people can increase their resistance to cell phone radiation damage by taking increased dosage of anti-oxidants, melatonin, Vitamins B, C, E, and folic acid as these are natural oxidative stress fighters;

• Do you know that there are more health risks when we make a call in our cell phone when the signal strength is already one bar or less. In this situation, the cell phone has to work harder to establish a connection.

We, cell phone users should always remember that texting instead of talking is better for our health. Also, so long as the cell phone is turned on, the cell phone gives off radiation even if the cell phone is not actually being used. Yes, as long as our cell phone is on, it emits radiation intermittently.

While we can no longer do without cell phones in today’s lifestyle, we should take prudent and simple precautionary health care measures in the use of cell phones knowing that excessive use of the cell phones is dangerous and in fact could kill far more people than smoking or asbestos because of radiation.

Have a joyful day!