| It seems like everywhere a person goes there is at | | | | emit radiation when they are used. The levels are low |
| least one person in view with a cell phone to their | | | | and are the same type of radiation as a microwave |
| ear whether it is on the road, in a store, in a parking | | | | oven emits but in much smaller amounts. |
| lot, walking down the street, etc. Even in places | | | | It has been suggested that using hands free sets can |
| where cell phone usage is banned such as concert | | | | alleviate the problem of the head being exposed to |
| halls or movie theaters there is the occasional | | | | the radiation. Again opinions vary. Some studies say it |
| offender, or more likely, at least a few people using | | | | does not decrease the amount of radiation exposure |
| the text messaging feature on their phone. | | | | at all. Other studies say it significantly decreases the |
| Cell phone usage has exploded over the past decade | | | | amount of radiation exposure. |
| and continues to rise. Nearly two hundred million | | | | Some people say the biggest danger with cell phones |
| people in the United States have cell phones and | | | | isn't from the either real or perceived potential to |
| there are well over one billion users worldwide. That | | | | develop cancer, but from inattentiveness while using |
| means there are a lot of phones sending their | | | | the cell phone. How many of us have seen vehicles |
| frequencies over the airwaves at any given time. | | | | driving somewhat erratically down the road and then |
| Concern has arisen over whether or not cell phone | | | | see when we get near the vehicle that the driver is |
| usage can harm a person's health. Brain cancer rates | | | | talking on a cell phone. It is a proven fact that a |
| in the United States have risen since cell phones | | | | driver on a cell phone is less attentive and more likely |
| were introduced, leading some people to wonder if | | | | to get in an accident. And, hands free sets aren't the |
| cell phone usage is the reason for the increase. | | | | answer that some people may believe. Yes, they |
| There have been reports of people developing brain | | | | free up both hands for driving and prevent a person |
| tumors in the exact same spot where they held their | | | | from getting a sore arm, but the driver's mind is still |
| cell phone. Some studies have expressed concern | | | | occupied with the conversation and therefore less |
| over long-term cell phone use, believing it can lead to | | | | attentive to what is going on around him or her on |
| a person to develop cancer. That is not to say a | | | | the road. |
| person who uses a cell phone is going to get cancer, | | | | Even people who are walking and talking on a cell |
| but some studies suggest long-term use increases a | | | | phone at the same time can put themselves in more |
| person's risk. | | | | danger because they are not as aware of what is |
| Things may not be all gloom and doom however. A | | | | going on around them. |
| large study done in Denmark with almost a half million | | | | All the conflicting reports make a person wonder |
| cell phone users showed no increase in cancer for cell | | | | what they should do. The good news is that more |
| phone users. | | | | comprehensive studies are being done to see if cell |
| Yet, other studies have concluded there is a greater | | | | phone usage does or does not cause cancer. At the |
| risk of cancer but only with analog phone users. | | | | same time, manufacturers are working on new |
| Some other studies conclude that any type of cell | | | | processes that will decrease or even possibly |
| phone usage can raise a person's risk for developing | | | | eliminate a person's radiation exposure. Until more |
| cancer. There are a lot of varying opinions on the | | | | definitive answers are given, a person may want to |
| subject. According to the FDA, available data does | | | | avoid talking on a cell phone for several hours every |
| not show there are definitely health problems | | | | single day, but a person probably does not need to |
| associated with using wireless phones, but the | | | | feel like they should have to give their cell phone up. |
| information goes on to say that there is also no | | | | It is still a great tool. |
| proof that wireless phones are completely safe | | | | The advice about driving and talking on a cell phone is |
| either. | | | | the same as it has been though. A person should pull |
| What about cell phone usage is causing the concerns | | | | over in a safe area out of traffic before engaging in |
| and the numerous studies to be done? Cell phones | | | | a cell phone conversation. |