Cell phones do produce radiation, even if it’s quite limited. They use radiofrequency energy, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation. In general, the amount they put out is below the FCC’s safe limit, but some models output more RF energy than others.
Radiofrequency energy may have some adverse health effects. Even though most cell phones operate within a safe range, you may still want to reduce your exposure to their radiation. Here are some tips to help you reduce your exposure while you use your phone.
How to reduce exposure to cell phone radiation
1. Use hands-free and text messages wherever possible
Assuming that cell phone radiation is something you want to avoid, holding your smartphone up to your ear and speaking to friends for hours at a time is a big no-no.
Instead, use speaker phone or earphones. That way, you’ll be able to place your phone on a table or surface while still continuing to have a conversation. Or better yet, use your landline to call, if you have a landline phone.
In addition, send text messages instead of calling. Obviously, certain things need to be discussed in a conversation. But if you have something to say to a friend or family member that can be communicated via a text message, send a text message. You’ll also most likely save time.
And if you have to speak without using speaker phone or earphones, try to reduce the amount of time you spend talking.
2. Carry and keep your smartphone away from your body
Keeping your smartphone against your body is not the best thing to do if you want to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation. So instead of walking around with your smartphone in your pocket, put it in your handbag, bag, or backpack.
Basically, carry it somewhere away from your body. For example, if in a car, put it in the glove compartment. If at home or work, put it on a table or desk.
3. Avoid using your phone when it has a low signal
The more energy your smartphone uses, the more RF energy it emits. This is particularly the case when your smartphone has a low cell signal (i.e. when only one or two cell signal bars are displayed). That’s because in areas with poor reception, your smartphone emits more RF energy in order to stay connected with the nearest towers.
If you’re in an area with a poor signal, wait until you move to an area with better reception before calling someone, if you can. Alternatively, send a text rather than call.
Likewise, if you’re in a car, bus, or train, try to avoid using your smartphone. Again, this is because your phone emits more RF energy as it tries to maintain a connection with nearby cell towers.
Lastly, when waiting for your call to connect, avoid holding your smartphone to your ears. This is because your phone emits more RF energy when making the initial connection.
4. Don’t sleep with your phone
A good way of reducing your exposure to cell phone radiation is to keep your phone away from you when you sleep. This means either switching it off completely or keeping it on airplane mode.
Alternatively, if you need to keep your smartphone connected (perhaps because you’re expecting a possible call in the night), put it somewhere on the other side of your bedroom.
Either way, don’t fall asleep with your smartphone still connected and in your bed.
5. Be careful when streaming
According to the California Department of Public Health, you should avoid holding your smartphone when streaming or downloading media. Doing either of these things increases the RF energy produced by your phone, so you want to make sure that you’re not holding it against your head when streaming or downloading.
If you tend to stream movies or music on your smartphone regularly, it may be a better idea to download your media first, and then watch or listen once the download has finished completely. In addition, it’s safer to put your smartphone in airplane mode when you’re watching a film or TV program or listening to music.
6. Be cautious of “shielding” products
You might see some “radiation shield” or other “shielding” products that claim to block RF energy, electromagnetic fields (EMF), or cell phone radiation. However, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has in the past warned that there’s no evidence these products reduce your exposure to radiation emissions.
In fact, the FTC has previously indicated that products that interfere with your smartphone’s cellular signal might force it to emit higher amounts of RF energy to compensate. This would end up increasing your exposure levels rather than decreasing them.
That said, there are a modestly growing number of manufacturers whose cases have been tested in FCC-accredited labs, indicating that their products do successfully reduce the emission of cell phone radiation. Some examples of these include SafeSleeve and DefenderShield, which have both had their cases formally tested. Their cases should offer protection from much of the radiation emitted by your device, but even if you end up purchasing one of their products, it’s still a good idea to follow all of the recommendations above, so as to keep your exposure to an absolute minimum.
While the radiation you receive from cell phones is minimal, don’t forget that some phones can give off more radiation than others, too. RF energy is known to be detrimental to your health, so it’s always a good idea to implement a few common-sense changes to lower your radiation in a safe, proven way.
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