Cell Phones Safety - Are They a Risk ? (via CobWeb/3.1 kupl1.ittc.ku.edu)
Written by Martin Smith
Cell phones are everywhere and I believe they are
here to stay. With the advent of cellular phones for
public use came a whole host of issues that I don't
think anyone expected, at least not in the magnitude
we are seeing today. There are two kinds of cell
phone safety and then there is cell phone etiquette.
There is practical cell phone safety, which addresses
the safest ways for you to use your cell, and etiquette
plays a huge part in this. The other safety concern is
that there are some health risks to those who use
cellular phones. We will look at each issue in turn and
hopefully give people something to ponder.
Cell phones and driving are a big controversy. As a
matter of fact many states in the United States are
contemplating enacting legislation that would ban
the use of cell phones in a car. While I think something
has to be done about using cell phones while driving, I
don't think it is a practical idea to ban their use
altogether in vehicles. I don't know how it would be
monitored except to develop technology that would
block all numbers while driving except emergency
numbers. Until such a thing occurs or people start
refraining as much as possible from using a cell phone
in their cars we must be extra careful on the road.
Driving safely while using a cell phone is a
contradiction I think. There are however, some things
you can do to improve your safety and that of others.
The most important thing is to learn about your phone
and all its features, (i.e. speed dial and redial).
Memorize the keypad in the event you need to make
a phone call while driving. Learn specifically about the
speed dial feature. The numbers you should put on
speed dial is your spouse, 911, your job, your child's
school, and the number of a close relative that is not
your spouse. As it is conversations on the cell phone
while driving will take your attention off the road.
If you have to use your cell phone while driving a
hands free kit is a good choice. Conversations
however, still should be kept to a minimum and where
possible you should not talk if you are moving or in a
hazardous situation (i.e. icy roads or heavy traffic). A
speaker phone kit is available as well as a safety
choice. Here again be mindful of when and where you
are talking on the cell phone. While you may be able
to maintain your attention on the road while using a
speakerphone take care to ensure that the
conversation is not intense and is as quick as possible.
Place your phone within relatively easy reach so you
don't have to fumble for it. You might not be able to
get the phone without taking your attention off the
road. The safest way to handle calls while you are
driving is to let your voice mail pick up the call. You
can always call whomever it was that called you. Do
not take notes, or look for a phone number while
driving. If you absolutely must dial a number while
driving punch two or three numbers then look at the
road and so on.
Cell phones operate using radio frequencies (RF) to
make and receive calls. Government standards call
for a low SAR. If it is a high number there is a serious risk
of radiation emissions from your phone into your ear.
High emissions heat tissue in very much the same
manner as a microwave oven does. This essentially
cooks the tissue. On the other hand however, low
emissions have not been proven to cause any health
risks. You can minimize the amount of exposure to
radiation by properly using your antenna or not
blocking it. If an antenna is blocked it begins to heat
up and the radiation only has one place to go your
ear. Usually if you hold your phone at the bottom of
the phone you probably won't block your antenna.
You can use your cell phone to call for help in the
event of an emergency; emergency calls are free. Use
your cell phone to be a 'Good Samaritan.' If you see
an accident, a car on the side of the road with
mechanical trouble, or a crime in progress, call 911. If
someone is in danger you can call 911 as well. An
example of this follows: while driving across a bridge I
noted that a group of kids jumping from the edge of
the bridge into the water below. There were sharp
rocks below and anything could have happened.
Identity theft is also a serious concern with cellular
phones. There is technology available that enables
the recording of your frequencies, they are then
decoded, and can be programmed into another
phone using your information. People have been
known to run up astronomical bills using this method.
In recent weeks a new device has come on the
market that jams cell phone signals rendering cell
phones in a radius of just a few miles useless. Be
responsible, be safe, and be a considerate cell phone
user.
About the Author Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Cell phones Plans His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
