radiation

Cell Phones May Cause Cancer, Experts Say
healthy living

Cell Phones to Be "Possibly Carcinogenic," Experts Say

As someone who is regularly glued to her cell phone, this isn't the greatest news of the day: the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that cell phones may increase the risk of cancer.
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cell phoneAs someone who is regularly glued to her cell phone, this isn't the greatest news of the day: the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that cell phones may increase the risk of cancer. Panel chairman Jonathan Samet, MD, chair of preventive medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine says:

"After reviewing all the evidence available, the IARC working group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans . . . We reached this conclusion based on a review of human evidence showing increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, in association with wireless phone use."

Scary stuff. The cell phone industry responded to these findings by saying that it "does not mean cell phones cause cancer." While this study doesn't prove that the radiation from cell phones cause cancer, it does show that there is certainly a correlation, but that more studies need to be conducted to further prove or disprove these conclusions. In the meantime, here are some ways to minimize exposure to cell phone radiation.

Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer
How To

3 Simple Ways to Cut Down on Cell Phone Radiation Exposure

Mobile phone users beware: new research shows that cell-phone use could be bad for your health.
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Mobile phone users beware: new research shows that cell-phone use could be bad for your health. The report, which was released by the World Health Organization, says that cell phones emit a low-grade radiation (similar to that of a low-watt microwave), and mobile phones are now listed in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust, and chloroform.

Though no direct correlations have been made between cell-phone use and cancer, a team of 31 scientists did discover higher brain cancer rates among those who use mobile phones regularly. Manufacturers already advise customers to keep their cell phones away from their bodies; seems simple enough, right? Check out three simple and easy ways to cut down your radiation risk below.

  • Use speakerphone mode — Keep a distance between you and the radiation waves being emitted from your handset by using the speakerphone, and using a Bluetooth car device (like the Motorola Roadster) when you're on the road.
  • Get an antiradiation case — You may think it's snake oil, but the science is there — the Case-Mate Bounce Case ($50) redirects and reduces hot-spot radiation by up to 85 percent, and overall radiation by 65 percent.
  • Text instead — Another way of keeping the cell phone away from your noggin is by texting instead of calling. I bet a lot of you are already doing this!
Laptops and Pregnancy
Pregnancy

SmartShawl Radiation Guard: Ga Ga or Gag?

Well, it's better than wearing one of those drapes they give you when you go for an X-ray!
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Well, it's better than wearing one of those drapes they give you when you go for an X-ray! Speculation about health issues tied to cellphone and laptop use isn't conclusive, but studies do show a correlation between heat emitted from a laptop and damaged sperm. It's enough to make some expectant women seek cover when typing away or talking on their mobile phones.

The soon-to-be released SmartShawl ($35) is a scarf-like cotton garment lined with thin stainless steel metal fibers that are designed to block radiation. Created by sisters who were worried about their kids sitting in front of a microwave, the shawl is big enough to cover a pregnant woman's chest and belly, and can also be used to cover a device, like a microwave, when it is in use.

Would you take extra precaution and use a SmartShawl while pregnant?

Seafood Radiation Fears in Aftermath of Japanese Nuclear Fallout
Food News

Are You Worried About Radiation in Your Seafood?

In the wake of the recent Japanese nuclear accidents, fear of radiation is rampant, and from the Chinese stocking up on iodized salt to Japanese residents hoarding bottled water, consumers are in a state of panic.
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In the wake of the recent Japanese nuclear accidents, fear of radiation is rampant, and from the Chinese stocking up on iodized salt to Japanese residents hoarding bottled water, consumers are in a state of panic.

At Tokyo's seafood markets, prices for fish have plummeted amid concerns that products are contaminated with radioactive material leaked from Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant.

Although marine experts maintain Japanese seafood is safe, some, like New York's Eric Ripert, are extremely cautious, using their own radiation detection equipment on Japanese imports. Elsewhere, consumers are eschewing Japanese seafood altogether. Are you worried about consuming radioactive seafood?

Pong Cell Phone Case Reduces Cell Phone Radiation
healthy living

Worried About Cell Phone Radiation? Pong Has a Solution

The other night my husband came home with a surprise gift for me.
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The other night my husband came home with a surprise gift for me. No, it wasn't flowers, or chocolate, or tickets to a show. It was a new cell phone case, and I thought, "Gee, thanks honey. How romantic." Then he explained that it wasn't just an ordinary case; it was proven to reduce cell phone radiation. He said, "I know you're on your phone a lot, and I want you to be safe." Kinda sweet, no?

The cell phone case by Pong ($60) is "the only case tested by FCC-certified laboratories to reduce cell phone radiation while maintaining full signal strength." The antenna on your cell phone emits radiation in order to send and receive signals. Unfortunately, your head is exposed to that radiation as well. Pong fixes the problem by redirecting the energy up through its patented laddered chimney and away from your head. So it protects your body as well as your phone.

The flexible silicone case comes in bright green and black. Not only do I feel better using it, but it feels good in my hand. The surface is slip-resistant so you're less likely to drop it on the ground (although I know that never happens). Tell me, would you spend $60 on a healthier cell phone case?

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Cell Phones May Cause Insomnia, Depression and Headaches
cell phone

Cell Phone Use Linked to Insomnia

I admit it. I love my cell phone because it makes me feel safe.
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I admit it. I love my cell phone because it makes me feel safe. I know if I ever need anything, help is just a phone call away. I do worry about the harmful effects of radiation though, and now a new study shows that cell phone radiation is linked to insomnia, headaches, and depression. Great.

The joint study performed by Wayne State University School of Medicine and researchers in Sweden found that using a cell phone right before going to bed can disrupt normal sleep patterns. It seems that the radiation mobile phones can make it difficult to both fall and stay asleep. The radiation can delay and shorten the deep stages of sleep, important since this is when your brain and body repair and rejuvenate, making exposure linked to headaches, difficulty in concentrating, depression, and personality changes (sounds a lot like PMS symptoms).

Fit's Tip: If you suffer from insomnia, the researchers recommend avoiding cell phone use prior to bed time. Here are some more tips for falling and staying asleep.

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Mircowaves and Radiation
microwave

Mircowaves and Radiation

Have you heard that it is bad for your health to stand too close to a microwave while it reheats your leftover Pad Thai from last night?
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Have you heard that it is bad for your health to stand too close to a microwave while it reheats your leftover Pad Thai from last night? Although microwaves have been around for quite a while, cancer and radiation fears linger around this convenient kitchen appliance.

The New York Times, curious about these safety concerns, did a little investigation. They found that although microwaves can leak radiation, the amounts are negligible to human health.

There is a special unit within the FDA that regulates microwave safety. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health limits the amount of radiation any microwave on the market can leak in its lifetime to five milliwatts per square centimeter at roughly two inches away from the oven. While that sound like Greek to me, I found this comparison helpful: the most common cell phones operate at a peak power of about 1.6 watts or less. Cell phones when studied have not been found to cause any health problems.

Microwaves are made with additional safety features - metal mesh on the doors helps to trap microwaves, and door latches that halt the production of microwaves when the door is opened. You might be interested to know that radiation levels drop sharply the further away you are from your microwave. Radiation levels at a two foot distance from the microwave are 1/100th of levels at 2 inches.

So "nuke" those leftovers with no fear. If you want to know about using plastic to do that - read What's the Deal with: Microwaves and Plastic.

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Microwave Myths Busted
microwave

Microwave Myths Busted

Here are some myths about your microwave that need clearing up: 1.
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Here are some myths about your microwave that need clearing up:

1. Microwaving your food kills all the nutrients. FALSE. A microwave works by emitting radio waves called, you guessed it, micro waves. These waves aggravate the food particles, making them vibrate, which causes heat. Cooking food in a microwave heats it faster than on a stove, so it should retain more nutrients.

2. Microwaves leak radiation, putting you at risk for developing cancer. This could be TRUE, but if your microwave is working properly, it doesn't leak enough to cause cancer.

3. Microwaving food in plastic containers releases toxic chemicals called dioxins into your food. FALSE. According to the FDA, plastic containers and plastic wraps don't contain dioxins.

Also be aware that when you heat something in the microwave, it can get really hot very quickly. So do be careful when taking food out because it could burn you.