Taking Precautions With Your Cell Phone

In his book, Anticancer, David Servan-Schreiber, makes it very clear that there is no definite proof that the electromagnetic fields of cell phones have carcinogenic effects. But, with over four billion cell phone users on the planet, even a small risk could translate into many illnesses and deaths.

More research is needed. Part of the problem is that people have not been using cell phones long enough to draw any concrete conclusions. Widespread cell phone use did not begin until the mid 1990s and the number of people who spend time on their mobile phones has increased exponentially.

In the meantime, consider the following precautionary measures suggested by Dr. Servan-Schreiber:

• Children under twelve years of age should use a cell phone only in emergencies. Their organs are developing and most sensitive to any possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

• Try to use the speaker phone or a hands-free device. The amplitude of the electromagnetic field is four times lower at a distance of 10 cm (4 inches) and 50 times lower at 1 metre (3 feet).

• Stand away from a person using a cell phone and avoid using your phone on subways, trains, or buses where you can passively expose your neighbours to your phone's magnetic fields.

• When speaking, switch sides regularly. Try to limit the duration of each call.
  

• Avoid using your cell phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed. Repeated attempts to connect to a new transmission antenna result in increased electromagnetic power.

• Whenever possible, communicate via text messaging rather than making a call.