Over ten years ago, we heard some people warning that cell phones were emitting dangerous emissions that could lead to increased risk in some health conditions including brain cancer.

At the time, my boss seemed to live on his cell phone. I was his assistant and saw him eat an entire meal while talking on the phone and he was still the first person done eating. When those early cell phone warnings came out, we teased him about getting brain cancer because his phone was always against his ear. The company joke was that if he died, the mortuary would have to pose him in the coffin holding his cell phone to his ear.

However, many medical and technical experts basically poo-pooed the notion that exposure to cell phone emissions were dangerous and posed a health risk.

That was about 15 years ago and cell phone technology has made huge advancements in what they do, how they work, batteries and more. Today’s phones can do many things that a personal computer can do, including take photos and videos. You can access the internet, pay your bills, buy things, play games, chat with friends and family, do email, send text messages and so much more.

The more functions there are on a cell phone the more power the battery has to supply and with that power comes emissions from the phone and once again, the issue of health with cell phones is being raised.

In the statement released by the California Department of Health, Office of Public Affairs:

“As smartphone use continues to increase in the U.S., especially among children, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued guidance for individuals and families who want to decrease their exposure to the radio frequency energy emitted from cell phones. Although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the risks of cell phone use, research suggests long-term, high use may impact human health.”

“‘Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high use exposure to the energy emitted by cell phones,’ said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. ‘We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults’.”

“Cell phones emit radio frequency energy when they send and receive signals to and from cell towers, and some scientists and public health officials believe this energy may impact human health.”

Dr. Smith went on to warn:

“Children’s brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cell phone use. Parents should consider reducing the time their children use cell phones and encourage them to turn the devices off at night.”

The California Department of Health, in conjunction with their warning on cell phone use, have issued a new set of guidelines they recommend for safe health reasons:

• Keeping the phone away from the body
• Reducing cell phone use when the signal is weak
• Reducing the use of cell phones to stream audio or video, or to download or upload large files
• Keeping the phone away from the bed at night
• Removing headsets when not on a call
• Avoiding products that claim to block radio frequency energy. These products may actually increase your exposure.

Many on the jury, deciding if cell phones really pose a health risk, are still undecided and all agree that more research is needed. However, if there are any dangers, it may not be a bad idea to heed the warnings and try to follow the guidelines as much as possible.