How Safe is Your Cell Phone?

The invasion of digital technology like smartphones and tablets in our lives has not been a gradual process. It came with a bang; it seems like overnight everyone has a cell phone. Being the most popular gadget today, it was a bit of a surprise when all the big wigs in the technology industry turned their heads towards this new device and the market was flooded with cell phones of various types supporting innovative apps, features etc. This gave the users a huge variety of choices according to their preferences. While purchasing a cell phone, a common user tends to go for one that comes with most features at the lowest price tag. However, the crucial factor that most of the users tend to ignore or simply overlook is the safety level of that phone.

With the widespread increase of cell phone usage, it was quite instinctive for the researchers to investigate the health concerns that are posed by radiation emitting from cell phones. Cell phone radiation lies in the microwave region of the radio spectrum. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has placed the cell phone in Group 2B, thus marking it as possibly carcinogenic. However, it should be noticed that with proper precaution, cell phones can be used without side effects; especially taking into account the fact that the microwaves emitted from other devices such as home appliances (microwaves, computers, televisions etc.) radiate a much higher level of radiation compared to the cell phone.

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) gives a measure of radiation absorbed in the human body. The standard SAR for cell phones accepted as being safe for the human body is 1.6 Watt/ kg. It is important for cell phones to comply with this set standard because high radiation levels can be quite dangerous by causing a molecular structural breakdown. It's important to use a cell phone carefully taking precautions to avoid problems with radiation.

Did you know:

1. A pregnant woman should keep cell phones away from the fetus as even low levels radiation could possibly effect her unborn child.

2. One should not carry a cell phone in a front pocket or anywhere near reproductive organs. While research is still being done here, it is possible that the phone could effect the productivity and health of these organs. Remember that cell phones emit radiation even when they are off. It's probably not a great idea to have your phone by your bed at night for the same reason.

3. The ear lobes and other parts of the body next to which the phone is placed are susceptible to a dielectric heating effect. Likewise, the corneas of the eyes are another area effected, especially with cell phones that don't conform to international standards.. Studies have also revealed an increased metabolism rate in the brain tissue which is nearest the antenna of a cell phone. Therefore, talking on your phone for long periods of time is not a good idea. If you are going to have a long conversation, put it on "speaker phone", use headphones or use hands free devices such as Bluetooth so that the phone is not so near to your body.

4. Not all cell phones are created equal. Some have all the bells and whistles while others are very simple. Likewise, some emit more radiation than others. Below is a chart with the various levels of radiation for each brand of phone. Remember that these levels can change with the age of the phone and new models are being created as well.

Currently Samsung, Nokia, HTC etc. are rated manufacturers of the lowest SAR rated cell phones.

The lowest rated cell phones include

· HTC One (SAR=0.68)

· Google Nexus 4 (SAR=0.55)

· Samsung S III (SAR=0.43)

· Samsung Note II (SAR=0.42)

· Samsung Haven (SAR=0.41)

· LG Quantum (SAR=0.35)

· T Mobile Sidekick (SAR=0.34)

· Huawei Ideos X5 (SAR=0.34)

· Samsung Replinish (SAR=0.3)

· Samsung Infuse (SAR=0.2)

The highest SAR rated cell phones include:

· Motorola Bravo (SAR= 1.59)

· Motorola Defy (SAR= 1.57)

· Motorola Droid RAZR (SAR= 1.56)

· HTC Droid DNA (SAR= 1.56)

· HTC Desire (SAR= 1.48)

· Nokia Lumia (SAR= 1.30)

· iPhone5 (SAR= 1.18)  

· iPhone 4S (SAR= 1.11)

Martin Cooper, a Motorola inventor, invented the first mobile phone in 1973.

The SAR rating of every cell phone is mentioned in the manual that comes with your phone and also can be searched online by simply entering the model of your phone. Please share this list with your cell phone talking friends so that they too can minimize that amount of radiation exposure and provide for the next generation to lead happy, healthy lives. Cell phones are here to stay and are indeed getting bigger in size. How many people do you know who have two cell phones or at least a cell and a tablet? Remember to be polite too and not use them in cramped public situations such a concerts or public transportation. You would be exposing other people to the "waves". Lastly, by purchasing only phones with low level emissions it will encourage companies to improve the levels of radiation everyone is exposed to. 

Cell Phone Accessories

Cell phone accessories refers to any item that does not form an integral part, either hardware or software, of the operation or functioning of the cell phone. There is a huge variety of cell phone accessories available in the market that attracts the customers. Today, a cell phone has turned into a transitional object for adults. It has replaced the teddy bears in delivering a sense of comfort and belonging. As Ted Turner puts it to be happy in this world, first you need a cell phone and then you need an airplane; then you’re truly wireless .The concept of cell phone accessories originates from the vanity that is a basic need of the human character. Cell phone accessories include a large number of items a few of which have been discussed below.

Mobile Covers

Conventional mobile covers came in simple colors, often with a rubber lining so as to provide protection against damage from knocking. However, the newest trend of personalizing everything has led to designer covers which serve both the purpose of protection as well as personalization. The trend has also emerged due to the fact that the latest smartphone models contain a lot of exposed surfaces especially the touchscreens which are prone to damage. The trending covers for cell phones include adhesive backed vinyl pieces. Other cells have replaceable designer covers. For the cells which do not feature a snap-on back cover, slip-on covers are available. These covers come in a huge number of designs, patterns, colors and themes. They make a cell phone fun to work with, all the while protecting it from some serious damage.

Head Sets and Hands free

The advancements and innovation in mobile phone technologies have made the traditional music players and mp3s obsolete. There is no need of carrying the luggage of an extra gadget such as an iPod because the new breed of cell phones and smartphones comes equipped with state of the art music players. However, a head set is a necessary cell phone accessory not only to play music but also as a safety precaution. Headsets allow you to place your cell phone in your pocket or backpack thus eliminating the possibility of street snatching as you enjoy your music. Hands free phones allow you to jog as you talk. It leaves your hands free to multi task. It also allows you to receive calls with more ease as you do not have to lift your cell phone to your ear; thus one can continue long cell phone chats comfortably.

Batteries / Chargers

In modern life, cell phones are the staple of everyday living. The usage of cell phones and smartphones is no longer confined to texting and making calls. The addition of internet surfing technology has multiplied the usage of cell phones many times. This implies that phones are prone to run out of battery. Thus the mobile manufacturers now offer extra batteries or travelling chargers so that the cell phones may be charged in cars etc. thus keeping you connected to the world.

Remedies for Wet Cell Phones

Moisture is a common problem with cell phones. Here's some common scenerios (I'm sure you can come up with even more): you forget your phone is in your pocket when you dive into the lake, your phone slips out of your back pocket and into the toilet, you forget your phone is in your pocket when you put your clothes in the washing machine - anyway, you get the picture. Is that phone toast or can it be saved? Here's some pointers from the many editors of a WikiHow article, "How to Save a Wet Cell Phone".

• If the phone is plugged in and in water, take a non-metal stick and disconnect the phone before you do anything. You don't want to be electricuted.
• Phones that have had extended time in water will probably need to be replaced. However, it's worth trying to save them. The most important first step with any phone is to unplug the phone and take out the battery and SIM card (if your phone has one) and dry all parts off thoroughly. Saving your SIM card and all your data will be worth this effort. The phone will have a small white square or circle near the battery location. If this mark is pink or red, your phone has water damage.
• Dry off all parts with a soft cloth or paper towels, being careful not to shake or move the phone too much as that will drive the water deeper into the inner workings. Focus on the small openings in the phone such as the plug sockets. Remove any outer covers or accessories.
• Use a vaccuum cleaner to suck out the moisture but don't put the nozzle too close to the phone. This might create static electricity which is even worse for the phone. Dry each area of the phone focusing again on the openings.
• Don't use a hair dryer even on cool settings as this might drive the moisture deeper into the phone. Don't shake the phone or bang it against your hand as this too might drive the water deeper.
• Put your phone in a bed of absorbant material such as uncooked rice or let it sit on absorbant towels or paper towels overnight. Here is part of this suggestion from the WikiHow article:

1. •  Add a desiccant packet, such as silica gel — often found with new shoes, purses, noodle packets, etc — in with the cell phone. The downside of this method is the packets packed with shoes has usually already reached its absorption capacity. Dessicant for flower drying can usually be purchased at most craft stores. Leave the phone with the dessicant or rice as long as possible (at least overnight) to absorb the moisture.
   • Rotate the phone to a different position every hour until you go to sleep. This will allow any water left inside to run down and hopefully find an opening to escape.

To read the original click here.

• After 24 hours reinstall the battery and test your phone. Don't plug it into power at first.
• If your phone is not working, try removing the battery, plugging it in and powering it up. If it works then you might need to replace the battery.
• Take your phone to an authorized dealer as they might be able to repair it. Tell them it has been in water. Salt water is the worst, by the way. The dealer can take the phone apart to see the damage. It's recommended that you not try this as it is easy to damage the very small connections in a cell phone.

If you are around water a lot, getting a protective cover or keeping it in a plastic bag might be a good idea. However, answering it will take much longer. My parting words: buy a cheap cell phone to take in your boat, and store your data in another place as well as on the phone - maybe "in the cloud".