Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    How to cut your exposure to cell-phone radiation

    Published: July 12, 2014 06:00 AM

    Find Ratings

    Q. Is it true that cell phones emit dangerous levels of radiation?

    A. Possibly. Cell phones expose you to radio­frequency electromagnetic energy, a form of "non-ionizing" radiation (similar to what's emitted from microwave ovens). Some studies have suggested that cell-phone use alters brain function and may increase the risk of some cancers, although the overall evidence hasn't found a clear link. More study is needed to determine the health effects of cell-phone use, and what constitutes a safe level of use.

    For now, you can reduce radiation exposure by:

    • Limiting talk time;
    • Using a speakerphone or headset;
    • Holding the phone away from your ear; and
    • Replacing some calls with text messaging or e-mail.
    Editor's Note:

    This article also appeared in the August 2014 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.


    Find Ratings

    Cell phones Ratings

    View and compare all Cell phones ratings.

    E-mail Newsletters

    FREE e-mail Newsletters! Choose from cars, safety, health, and more!
    Already signed-up?
    Manage your newsletters here too.

    Health News

    Cars

    Cars Build & Buy Car Buying Service
    Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.

    See your savings

    Mobile

    Mobile Get Ratings on the go and compare
    while you shop

    Learn more