Cell Phone Radiation Safety

Cell phones have become a standard communications tool around the world, changing the way people connect and interact. In the United States alone, over 200 million people use cell phones. Because of this prevalence, the safety of cell phones is an important topic.

Causes

• Electromagnetic radiation is caused by any device that generates radio signals, including cell phones. These signals are called "RF," or "radio frequency."

Effects

• When radiation comes into contact with an object, some of its electromagnetic energy is transferred. This transfer usually creates heat. In people, this could cause burns and tissue damage.

Levels

• In order for tissues to become damaged, radiation must be present in levels high enough to cause heating. During normal operation, cell phones do not generate sufficient levels of electromagnetic radiation to cause this heating.

Research

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not officially recognize any link between phones and cancer. Further research into possible cell phone health issues is ongoing but not yet conclusive.

Safeguards

• Several actions can be taken to minimize any possible harmful effects. Hands-free kits can be used to place the cell phone away from the head and body. Only devices with FCC-compliance notices on their packaging should be used.