New guidelines renew concerns over radiation from cell phones

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOLF) - The California Department of Public Health released new guidelines Monday urging residents to take precautions against radiation coming from their cell phones.

The guidelines advise people to limit exposure by using a headset or speakerphone instead of holding the phone to your head, sending texts instead of talking on the phone, keeping the phone away from your head and body when streaming or downloading large files, not sleeping with a phone near your head or body, and carrying your phone in a bag or purse instead of in a pocket or belt holster.

They also recommend not using a phone when there are 2 bars of signal or less, not using it in fast moving vehicles, and downloading videos instead of streaming them on your phone; all activities that can actually increase RF radiation from a cell phone.

For years the scientific community has been split on the potential long-term effects from cell phone radiation. Some doctors fear prolonged use could lead to a number of issues including certain types of cancer.

The California Department of Health as well as other national organizations stress that more study on the matter is needed.

It’s unclear if other states will follow in suit by issuing guidelines of their own. Most cell phone companies do include similar guidelines in the phones’ owner’s manuals.