Although they've become a ubiquitous fact of modern life, there are, alas a number of dangers of cell phone use. Although it might seem obvious that holding a functioning electronic device that sends and receives microwave information close to your head for hours a day might be harmful, such notions were at first pooh-poohed. Over the last few years, there have been a number of studies that have validated the dangers of cell phone use.

Dangers of Cell Phone Use and How to Mitigate Them

Cell phones have been linked, in studies to brain cancer, low sperm counts in men, negative impact on the developing brain in children and many other problems. Using cell phones in vehicles with tinted windows can increase the amount of radiation bouncing around in your car. But, of course, here in America, we can't live without them. So what to do?

Since the phone is a transmitter, it makes sense to avoid using it when the battery is low or the signal strength is weak, as the phone has to pump out more radiation to function properly. Keeping the phone away from the body is also recommended. The closer the contact, the more "cooking" you're probably going to get. Keep your phone clipped to your briefcase or purse. A car dashboard holder is also a good idea. Combine this with a handsfree radio kit or ear bud for greater safety.

There are also some small radiation damping devices that can be useful too. These can be installed in or around the phone to insulate you from radiation. There are also headsets made with this technology that help make your phone safer to use. Be particularly careful with cell phone use if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Cell phones closer to the chest than 6 inches can cause a pacemaker to malfunction. Since cell phones have been linked to chromosome damage and problems with brain and nervous system development, better to be safe than sorry. Keep your cell phone insulated and as far away from you as possible to keep you and your child healthy.