The jury did not yet reveal whether cellphone radiation was bad or not, but the California public health department did not take any chances. The agency just issued an advisory that suggests residents should take steps to reduce their exposure to cellphones. The report suggests avoiding phone use once uncalled-for, notably once the cellphone signal is likely to kick into overdrive (such as when you are in a weak coverage area or streaming video). This also advises that you keep your cellphone away from your body, DPH director Dr. Karen Smith also says, "You do not keep your phone in your pocket."
Following the release of CDPH findings from 2009, which were prompted by a lawsuit from UC Berkeley professor Joel Moskowitz in his bid to explore possible links between cell-phone use and increased risks of cancer. He believes that cell-phone radiation poses a "big risk." other agencies, like Connecticut's own Department of Public Health, have put out similar recommendations.
The CTIA wireless industry group, that has historically opposed attempts to raise public concerns over cell-phone radiation, is not taking a definitive stance. in a statement, the CTIA said that health was "important" to its members and that people should "consult the experts."
It's a bold move when some of the companies that dominate the cellphone landscape are based in California. The question is whether or not the advisory will make a difference. without a definitive link between phone use and health issues, the statement may not carry much weight. And let's face it, telling people to stop using smartphones as they normally do (especially in California) is like telling them to stop breathing. There would have to be a clear risk to make everyone give up devices that have quickly become staples of modern life.
