How to Reduce Cancer Risk From Cell Phone Radiation

After years of wondering if cells phones cause cancer and unsupported studies, the World Health Organization has just announced that cells phones can possibly be linked to cancer, referring to cell phones as a "carcinogenic hazard," just like engine exhaust and lead. Alan Marks, whom many of you have probably heard about, developed a brain tumor on the side of his head where he used his cell phone. After this experience, he has actively fought for cell phone safety. Check out Alan Marks' story on CNN in the video below.

However, long-term effects of cell phone use are not known because it is still considered relatively new. Researchers have found that heavy phone users (those who used cell phones for half an hour each day for ten years) have a 40% increased risk for glioma brain cancer. In addition, phone users have also an increased risk for acoustic neuroma brain cancer but researchers are not sure about other types of cancer. But there was enough evidence for the World Health Organization to conclude that cell phones increased risk for cancer. Labeled as "possibly carcinogenic," cell phones are on the same level of risk as coffee and pickled vegetables. Because there is limited evidence, it is not definite whether or not cell phone use can directly cause cancer.

Cell phones have become part of our day-to-day lives so it's difficult to completely abandon cell phones altogether. However, here are some tips to still use your cell phones while staying safe:

If you don't need a long conversation with someone, text them instead. Consider signing up for a texting plan with your cell phone company if you're a heavy texter in order to avoid large balances (texting adds up). Since kids are more likely to text, sign them up for a texting plan in order to encourage them to text rather than call friends. Kids are more vulnerable to cell phone radiation because their skulls are thinner and still developing.

If you're not disturbing your neighbors, and have the luxury of your own privacy, use the speaker button. This is especially a good strategy for long conversations, whether to catch up with friends and family, or for business.

If you don't already have a headset, consider buying one. Headsets are usually pretty cheap. A Bluetooth could be a good and safer investment since it emits significantly lower radiation compared to a cell phone.

Because the cell phone emits more radiation in areas with weak signal, you should try to make calls in places where you can find good reception.

Using the same rationale as #4, it's important to find a good cell phone provider that gives you good reception so that your cell phone won't emit as much radiation. However, reception varies from town to town, building to building so ask around to see which cell phone provider can offer the best reception.

Cell phones are usually the device that we carry around on, and held closest to us on a regular basis. That's why you should try to keep it away from your body instead of in clothes pockets or on belts.