On July 1, 2008 it became illegal for California drivers to drive while talking on a cell phone without a hands-free headset. This set off a mass blue tooth headset purchase by thousands of people looking to make themselves legal while driving and talking. In my opinion, this is great cause for concern. There were already significant problems to consider while just holding that hot little phone next to our brains for hours- but blue tooth headsets add an entirely different element of consequence.
For those who don't know EMFs are Electric and Magnetic fields that surround all electronic devices (EMRs stands for Electro magnetic radiation and can also be used in relation to cell phones). There is increased exposure to EMFs with increased use of electronic gadgets such as computers, stereos, televisions, antennas near the home, cell phones, etc. Studies have shown an association with increased EMFs to leukemia, hormonal changes, and cancer.
Because of this there is special concern because we use cell phones directly next to our brains. During a cell phone call RF (radio frequency radiation) is transmitted directly to the head. Research suggests that with increased use of cell phone we increase our chances of brain tumors. Unfortunately, cell phone companies still deny this, which makes this information difficult for the public to access and/or believe. This denial has been compared by some to the tobacco industry's adamant denial of cancer being caused by their products. Some believe it will only be a matter of time that cell phone companies will be lumped into the same deceptive category as the tobacco companies.
The problems with using wireless blue tooth headsets:
1. Blue tooth headsets can increase the amount of RF being emitted to your head while in use. They act as an antennae, thus increasing the potential exposure directly aimed at our brains. The legal limit of headset frequency is 2.4 Ghz- the same Ghz that a microwave works on.
2. Because of the size and convenience of the blue tooth headset, many people keep it attached to their ear between phone calls. This means there is a constant flow of EMFs and RF and no break between phone calls. Even without this break, exposure is high, so to have a constant flow of EMFs at the head has even greater risk.
Additional concerns for everyday cell phone use:
1. Regular wired headsets, as compared to wireless headsets, do not improve the situation. The wires act as an antenna- and increase the problem. So regular wired headsets are not a solution.
2. Many people keep their cell phone on their belts, in pockets, or somewhere close to the body. Cell phones are always emitting signals looking for updates for text messages, phone calls, and now emails and internet updates. EMFs and RF are constantly being transmitted around the device. Placing our cell phones next to our internal organs can be just as problematic as holding them next to our heads, even when not in use. Our reproductive and some of digestive organs are located right next to our belts and pockets and thus are much more at risk when we store our phones there.
Solutions:
1. Use your speakerphone. The farther away you can hold the cell phone from your ear (or body) the better.
2. Use a headset made with an air tube. And air tube is similar to what is used in a stethoscope. This technology allows you to hear clearly without the EMFs being transmitted to the head. It is the only headset I consider safe. They are not available in your local cell phone stores yet, but can be easily purchased online. These are the only headsets made to actually reduce or eliminate your exposure to harmful cell phone radiation.
3. Don't hold your phone in your pocket or on your belt. Store it in your bag, on your desk, or somewhere as far away from the body as is feasible. This will help keep the exposure of RF, EMFs and EMR to your internal organs lower.
4. Limit use of cell phones with children as much as possible. All of the risks associated with cell phones are increased 3 fold with children. Do not let children play with your cell phones next their heads and enforce the use of air tube headsets with all school age children using a cell phone.
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