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.

About the Author
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.

---

Cell Phones - The New Media

Every day, there are more new uses for the classic cell phones. These days, people have come to the conclusion that they read their emails, pay their... Read More

Cellular Phone Accessory

Cellular phone accessory list.There is a wide variety of products that belong to the cellular phone accessory list. You can find any cellular phone accessory that you... Read More

Latin Ringtones Mean Dinero for Ringtone Providers

Until recently, when you thought of ringtones, you usually thought of hip-hop ringtones. This is not surprising given the genre's wide acceptance of ringtones and cell phones... Read More

Wireless... Are You Connected?

If you look around at any given time in public, you are likely to see people talking on a cellular phone. They are everywhere and growing. Almost... Read More

Cellular Phone Service

Cellular phone service ? pick the one you like.You can select the cellular phone service of your choice from one of the many cellular phone companies like... Read More

Recognizing Common Cellular Phone Problems

Cellular phones are in schools, banks, malls, and homes across the country. While cellular phones have been an important technological advancement, they're not without their drawbacks.Reliability is... Read More

DECT - A Brief Explanation and How We Could Benefit From It

DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. Unlike analogue cordless phones that used to be frequent in many homes and businesses around the world, DECT is a... Read More

Free Camera With Cell Phone

Free camera with cell phone - excellent deal.Getting a free camera with cell phone is an excellent deal. Especially nowadays when camera cell phones are getting less... Read More

Contemplating Selling Your Cell Tower Lease For A Lump Sum?

Many landowners who have leased land for a cell tower on their property are receiving letters from third party companies. These letters suggest to the landowner that... Read More

International Calling Made Simpler And Cheaper

When people make international calls from their cell phones or land lines they often have to be aware of what time they are calling, and even where... Read More

Do Cellular Phones Pose Health Risks?

You hear it in the media on a slow news day. Do cellular phones pose health risks? The available scientific reports do not show that any health... Read More

SMS 101 - Short Message Service Explained

Short Message Service (SMS) is a quick and simple way to communicate short messages via mobile phones, handheld devices, and increasingly even landline telephones. Commonly known as... Read More

GPS Cell Phones

Motivated by the events of 9/11 2001 and problems with 911 calls from cellular phones, the FCC requires that by the end of 2005 all cell phone... Read More

Don?t Get Caught Out by the Mobile Phone Matrix Scams

Please read the article and leave a comment with your thoughts or experiences.The mobile phone matrix scam has fast become one of the largest growing scams on... Read More

How to Find the Best Cellular Phone Service Deal

Finding the best cellular phone service deal can seem as frustrating and difficult as shopping for a new car. Nothing can be as vexing as trying to... Read More