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.

---

Google News Updated : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:50:00 GMT Axelrod Says Obama Will Counterpunch if McCain Raises Ayres - New York Times Axelrod Says Obama Will Counterpunch if McCain Raises Ayres New York Times - 2 hours ago By Patrick Healy NASHVILLE - Senator Barack Obama is prepared to hit back, including with Keating Five scandal if necessary, if Senator John McCain uses tonight’s presidential debate to attack him over his associations with controversial figures like ... Video: AP Campaign Minute AssociatedPress Palin Adds Fannie Mae Execs to List of Objectionable Obama Associates Washington Post The Associated Press - U.S. News & World Report - FOXNews - Christian Science Monitor all 4,761 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:32:14 GMT Study: Using fan on sleeping baby reduces risk of SIDS - San Jose Mercury News dBTechno Study: Using fan on sleeping baby reduces risk of SIDS San Jose Mercury News - 8 hours ago By Linda Goldston Ayde Gonzales's mother was surprised when she insisted that her newborn son must sleep on his back, not on his side. Fan Use May Save Your Baby’s Life, Reduces SIDS Risk eFluxMedia Fan in Room Seems to Cut Infants’ Risk of Crib Death New York Times Bloomberg - Wall Street Journal - U.S. News & World Report - WebMD all 612 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:46:19 GMT Kenya deports anti-Obama author - Christian Science Monitor BBC News Kenya deports anti-Obama author Christian Science Monitor - 4 hours ago Jerome Corsi, author of "Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality," tried to launch his new book, but violated immigration rules, Kenyan officials say. Barack Obama's African grandmother Sarah Onyango Obama roots for him Times Online Anti-Barack Obama author detained while promoting his book in Kenya Los Angeles Times AFP - The Associated Press - New York Times - BBC News all 507 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:09:55 GMT Fitch says AMD factory move has no ratings impact - Forbes Canada.com Fitch says AMD factory move has no ratings impact Forbes - 51 minutes ago AP 10.07.08, 3:48 PM ET Fitch Ratings said Tuesday Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s ratings are not affected by the chip maker's plans to spin off factories into a new joint venture with investors in the Persian Gulf state of Abu Dhabi. What AMD's fab spinoff means for Intel, industry MarketWatch Who Benefits From AMD’s Financial Engineering? New York Times The Associated Press - BusinessWeek - Motley Fool - Bizjournals.com all 656 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:58:11 GMT Get moving: Guidelines set healthy activity levels - The Associated Press ABC News Get moving: Guidelines set healthy activity levels The Associated Press - 38 minutes ago WASHINGTON (AP) - Get moving: New exercise guidelines released Tuesday set a minimum sweat allotment for good health. For most adults, that's 2 1/2 hours a week. Government tells Americans to take stairs, go out and play Bizjournals.com Get 2 1/2 hours of exercise per week, US says Reuters USA Today - Food Consumer - MarketWatch - MyFox Dallas all 183 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:11:51 GMT Union-Backed Party Opposes Term Limits Plan - New York Times New York Daily News Union-Backed Party Opposes Term Limits Plan New York Times - 1 hour ago By Fernanda Santos The Working Families Party began on Tuesday the labor community’s first major offensive against Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s plan to change term limit laws through legislation that would extend to three, from two, the number of terms ... UPDATE 1-NYC lawmakers to weigh bill raising term limits Reuters Bill to end term limits introduced in City Council New York Daily News New York Times Blogs - WNYC - Campaigns & Elections - Crain's New York Business all 331 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:15:23 GMT Fed Announces Plan to Buy Short-Term Debt - New York Times Telegraph.co.uk Fed Announces Plan to Buy Short-Term Debt New York Times - 58 minutes ago By EDMUND L. ANDREWS and MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve announced a radical new plan on Tuesday to jump-start the engine of the financial system. Fed makes boldest move yet Christian Science Monitor Federal Reserve to buy up short-term commercial debt Los Angeles Times Bloomberg - NECN - The Associated Press - Wall Street Journal all 1,716 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:51:44 GMT Make Data Feed Websites Amazon Content

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Cell Phone Accessories - A Guide To Wireless Phone Accessories

Cell phone accessories are a big business on the commodities'... Read More

Prepaid Wireless: Is It Right For You?

Just about every leading mobile phone provider now offers some... Read More

Call Mexico at Rates as Amazing as the Murals

It's a country that speaks through its numerous murals and... Read More

Camera Cell Phone Video

Camera cell phone video - description.Camera cell phone video is... Read More

PDA Cell Phones - the New Generation of Wireless Phones

It's time you know what the latest technological gadget is.... Read More

Cell Phone Reviews - Reaping the Benefits Of Online Wireless Reviews

There are a lot of benefits that are offered by... Read More

An Introduction to Text Messaging

Why Text?Text messaging is a quick way to stay in... Read More

Motorola Cellular Phone

Motorola cellular phone ? description.Motorola has a great selection of... Read More

Wireless... Are You Connected?

If you look around at any given time in public,... Read More

Analog vs. Digital Cellular Phones

Cellular phones are an amazing modern convenience, but it can... Read More

Overview of Cellular Phone Carriers

How many times have you heard of people spending hundreds... Read More

Indian Mobile Infrastructure - To 3G or Not To 3G

To most overseas investors circa 1994, a first look at... Read More

Nokia Cellular Phone

Nokia cellular phone ? description.Nokia produces a large variety of... Read More

Cell Phones Safety - Are They a Risk ?

Cell phones are everywhere and I believe they are here... Read More

Protective Accessories For Your Cell Phone

Like most electronic devices, cell phones are remarkably fragile. Your... Read More

Cell Phone Plans ? Choices Abound!

The Future Is FlexibleGone are the days when the only... Read More

Cell Phone Cameras

A lot of myths exist regarding as to whether the... Read More

Smart Phones ? Are They Really A Smart Decision

First, there was the standard land line phone system; then... Read More

Senior Citizen Calling Tips

The AARP, American Association of Retired Persons, ( ... Read More

SMS 101 - Short Message Service Explained

Short Message Service (SMS) is a quick and simple way... Read More

Choosing a Phone and Voice Mail System

Phone and voice mail systems can be pretty costly, even... Read More

Have Some Fun With Cell Phone Games

You're never too old to have some fun. With the... Read More

Mobile Phone Radiation - The Facts & How You Can Protect Yourself With This Simple Technique!

Firstly, it's vital to point out that this short report... Read More

Buying a New Business Phone System

Buying a new business phone system is one of the... Read More

Take Care of Your Cell Phone Battery. Your Life May Depend on It

You probably don't even think about it but do you... Read More