Slaves to the mobile (Mobile phone safety)

Member Name: patsysmith

Product:	Mobile phone safety
Date:	18/11/00 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great when you really need to contact someone and are in a remote site.

Disadvantages: Who knows what damage is caused to us, our families and colleagues?

I think it is time the novelty of mobile phones was regarded as well and truly worn off. I say that because people have still not fully got used to the technology, and the idea of harnessing it for their own benefit.

I know that sounds strange, but bear with me.

How many times have you been somewhere quiet and been disturbed by mobile phones ringing? I cannot believe that most people actually want to be embarrassed by having to fumble for their phone in a cinema or library, only to hear people complaining at them.

Also, when in the car, how awkward, not to mention dangerous it is to answer the phone that happens to be in your bag, which is behind on the back seat.

It's time people started turning phones off except when they either want to make a call, or have made prior arrangements to receive a call.

There are better ways to maintain contact, without inconveniencing yourself. Pagers (that OLD technology!) are still available, and do not (as far as I know) pose the health threats that mobile phones do.

Also, most phone services offer a voicemail service - so even if switched off, your messages are saved for when you choose to answer them.

The benefits of switching off except when you want to use the phone for making or receiving calls or messages are:

1. You are in control, not the slave to the whim of other people calling you.

2. I have heard that having a mobile phone merely on standby, and held by your body all day can reduce your immune system's effectiveness by 10%...

3. You are less likely to annoy people by carrying around this annoying ringing article in cinemas, libraries, hospital cardiac units, et cetera.

4. I understand the microwave radiation may interfere with many devices, including possibly heart pacemakers...Hospitals actually request mobile phones be turned off when near cardiac units.

5. It is offensive to some people to use mobil
e phones in their proximity - you are not just microwaving your own body, but other people's bodies too, against their will. What if they are especially susceptible? (i.e., foetuses, immuno-defficient, children...)

6. Do you really need to have that phone switched on at home? By turning it off when "off-duty" you save power, free up some capacity on transmission grids (a set of frequencies is freed up for someone else to use), and you are not microwaving your family while they sleep.

I am sure there are many other benefits!
At the end, I think the thing to remember is that mobile phones are merely a tool to use to your advantage. If it comes to the point of risking your health, that tool ought to be used carefully, and advisedly.

There has still not been adequate research on the effects of mobile phone radiation. Remember, doctors used to recommend smoking to ease symptoms for asthmatics! Even expert testimony and research can be wrong. Until there is adequate research, we should all take care.

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