Gadgets Offer Protection From Cell Phone Radiation
MIAMI (CBS4) - Major companies are designing products that they claim will protect you from a possible exposure to radiation from cell phones.
But do they really work?
Let's face it, most of us have come to rely on our cell phones. But the Environmental Working Group warns that too much chit-chat could potentially lead to cancer. Studies have shown people who use their cell phones more than half an hour per day have had increased rates of cancer. And while adults should be wary, it's children who are at a greater risk.
"Because their brains are still developing, their skulls are thinner and they have a different head shape so their brain absorbs about twice as much radiation as an adult," according to the Environmental Working Group.
It's a common concern and some companies are trying to cash in with a whole line of products that claim to protect from radiation. For example, there's now 'belly armor' which is being marketed to pregnant women. It's a cotton blanket with silver fibers that are supposed to block radiation; retail price $70.
The iPhone app "tawkon" promises to reveal just how much radiation your phone is actually emitting.
"I think it could help out a couple ways. One, it could determine whether you have a good signal or not," said Kent German with CNET.
But, he added, don't rely on this app to protect you. German said if you're really worried about radiation put away your pocket book. All you really need to do is keep your distance.
"You can text, you can keep the phone away from your body, you could use a Bluetooth head set. I wouldn't sleep with a phone next to your bed," said German.
But before you buy stock in Bluetooth, keep in mind while they may emit less radiation there's still not enough data to determine their risk.
"Everything we do can cause a problem. So I don't know how severe that problem might be," said German.
And now because there is so much uncertainty San Francisco has become the first city in the country to adopt cell phone ordinances that require retailers to disclose radiation levels.
That ordinance goes into effect next February.
