Cell Phones Safety - Are
They a Risk ?
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.
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.
http://www.mobile-n-cell-phone.com
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