Did you know your cellphone likely comes with a warning about how close to hold it to your head and body?
The message inside your cellphone’s settings and manual telling you to keep the device 5 to 15 mm away from your body. CBC Marketplace ask why this message exists, why it’s so hidden, and whether Health Canada is doing enough to protect us.
A survey completed for CBC Marketplace asked how many were aware of the manufacturers’ suggestions to hold the phone five – 15 mm away from the body. The results showed 81% had no clue, and 67% admitted they carry their phones against their bodies.
When CBC Marketplace tested cellphones from the three top-selling brands without that gap, they all exceeded Canadian safety code limits.
When Health Canada was presented with these findings, it was not concerned because it said standards on radiation exposure have such a large safety margin that people are protected.
But the founder and director of the Environmental Health Trust, Devra Davis, believes the current testing for cellphones is outdated and should be updated to reflect how most people carry devices. As well, the test doesn’t reflect some recent science that suggests there could be harmful effects below the maximum power levels used during the test.
Cellphone manufacturers contacted by Marketplace say the cellphones are operating well within safety limits set out by the government.
Source: CBC
This is very troubling. I had no idea about this warning. I always make it a practice to use a headset when making calls but at the same often have my smartphone in my pocket. Health Canada really needs to do a better job and inform Canadians about this.
So, if you keep your phone in your clothing, closer than 15 mm. from your skin, you increase your chances of getting cancer from radiation coming from your phone. This is what the message says and this is troubling indeed.
Mobile phone industry is acting now in the same exact way as the tobacco industry did since the 1950’s. But, we know now that tobacco gives cancer.
How many avoidable deaths and shattered lives will it take before the mobile phone industry comes clean about this problem?
What about Bluetooth Headsets?
Any one has interesting information about bluetooth headsets?