Your Cellphone is Killing You!

Okay, so perhaps it isn't that bad. However, I recently purchased a new LG cellphone. As I was reading through the owner's manual, towards the back in the safety section, I noticed a large nine page section titled "FDA Consumer Update". I immediately thought of articles I had read at http://http://www.educate-yourself.org/cpd/index.shtml about the dangers of cell phone use. I encourage you to check out the site as it is quite thought provoking. I will sum up some of what these nine pages contained.

• Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? ...There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of Radio Frequency (RF) energy in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF in standby mode. So basically, the entire time the phone is on, its emitting microwave energy. Lower levels of what we use to cook our food. Held right next to our brains. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.
• What are the results of research already done? A few animal studies have suggested that low levels of RF frequency could accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals. Three large epidemiology studies have been published since December 2000. Between them, the studies investigated any possible association between the use of wireless phones and primary brain cancer, tumors of the brain, leukemia, etc etc. None of the studies demonstrated the existence of any harmful effects from wireless phone RF exposures. However, none of the studies can answer questions about long term exposures, since the average period of phone use in these studies was around three years. Even at my age, I have owned a cellphone for at least six years. I'm sure for many readers it is much longer.
• What about children using wireless phones? Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised the children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such recommendation in December 2000. Their recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists. However, they felt it necessary to issue these warnings! What does that tell us?

It also says that the backs of phones should be kept two centimeters away from the body. I don't think my phone is that thick, therefore, holding it up to my ear as usual isn't the way to go! This will definitely be on my mind next time I receive a phone call. Further, they mentioned that the levels safe for exposure was developed by an institution of engineers. Where are the doctors in all this?

This information came straight out of the owners manual! I was somewhat surprised to see this information right there in front of me. I was previously unaware of the dangers until I read the article listed above, and now seeing it in the manual makes it even more real. Why would this section have to exist if their wasn't some sort of concern?

Will I stop using my cell phone? No! I just bought it! LoL. It is, however, something that people should be aware of. Check out your owners manual and see for yourself.