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Cycling while talking on the phone already has risks; perhaps the exposure to the electronic non-ionizing radiation from the cellphone is harmful, too. Over at TreeHugger, we looked at the possible dangers in general from cellphones, microwaves and Wi-Fi.
The precautionary principle suggests that "when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically." Given the confused state of the science around this subject, perhaps we should all take a few precautionary steps. The U.K.-based magazine The Ecologist suggests a few:
1. Disable the wireless transmitter on your family's laptop computer via the software, and use a hardwired connection.
2. Remove as many microwave devices from your home as possible, and investigate wired alternatives.
3. Aim to use your cellular phone for as short a time as possible.
The Safe Wireless Initiative is much more explicit and detailed:1. Minimize all exposure and usage of wireless communication, such as cell phones, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi devices.
2. Turn off your cell phone when it's not in use and when you're sleeping. Never keep it near your head or use it to play games or watch movies.
3. Keep your cell phone at least 6-to-7 inches away from your body while it's on or when you're talking, texting, and downloading.
4. Use air-tube headsets or speaker mode when you're talking. Wireless and wired headsets still conduct radiation.
5. Never keep your cell phone in your pocket, purse, back or on your hip all day. The hip produces 80 percent of the body's red blood cells and is especially vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) damage. Close proximity may also affect fertility.
6. Do not talk on a cell or cordless phone if you're pregnant, with a baby/small child in your arms, under 16 years of age, or while in a vehicle (that includes cars, trains, and subways). Radiation gets trapped and is higher in these closed metal zones. Minimize other EMR exposures to developing fetus via ultrasounds and Electronic Fetal Monitoring, unless absolutely necessary.
7. Replace all cordless and Wi-Fi items with wired, corded lines (such as phones, Internet, games, appliances, and other devices). The cordless phone base emits high levels of EMR-even when no one is making a call.
8. Minimize/space out computer use, sit back from your screen (flat screens are preferable). Use wired Internet connections, not Wi-Fi, especially for laptops. Keep laptops off your body and away from any metal surfaces.
9. Keep a low-EMR sleep, home, and personal zone. Move your alarm clock radio at least 3 feet from your head or use battery power-6 feet is the recommended distance from all electronic devices during sleep. Avoid waterbeds, electric blankets and metal bed frames. Futons/wood frames are better than metal-coiled mattresses and box-springs.
10. When using electric stoves, cook on back burners instead of front, as much as possible. Metals attract EMR, so keep them away from and off of the body. Use glass, cast-iron, and uncoated pans to cook with.
11. Measure EMR from wireless and wired devices with appropriate meters. To decrease exposures, install EMR filters and preventive technologies to electrical circuits, devices, and appliances.
Difficulty level: Moderate
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