Text, don't talk! To reduce cellphone radiation, also buy low-emitting phone

"Listen more, talk less"  isn't just a Dale Carnegie-like way to win friends and influence people. It, along with "text, don't talk," is also a way to reduce radiation exposure from cellphones. Another way: buy a low-emitting phone.

Apple's iPhone scores in the middle range for radiation exposure on the Environmental Working Group's updated cellphone guide.

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By Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Cellphones emit radiation to send voice and text messages, and some studies of frequent users suggest  increased risks for brain and mouth tumors as well as children's behavior problems, according to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit government watchdog group.

"Until scientists know much more about cellphone radiation, it's smart for consumers to buy phones with the lowest emissions," the Washington-based group says. It recently updated its online consumer guide, covering more than 1,000 phones on the market, to include 2010 models.
The popular iPhone scores in the middle range, as noted on a list of new phones most recommended by tech experts. If you're not sure what model your phone is, take out the battery. Model numbers are often listed there.

The guide lists the best and worst phones. Among the lowest-emitters are Sanyo Katana II, Samsung Rugby and Blackberry Storm 9530. The highest include Blackberry 8820, Motorola i880 and Palm Pixi.
When the Environmental Working Group released a report last year on cellphone radiation, the wireless industry's lobbying association CTIA issued a statement saying wireless devices do not pose a health hazard, according to a USA TODAY story.

The Federal Communications Commission sets standards for cellphone radiation, requiring they be rated at 1.6 watts per kilogram or less. It doesn't require device makers to reveal radiation levels.
 The Environmental  Working Group offers tips for reducing exposure, such as texting and listening rather than talking.  Aside from buying a low-emitting phone, it recommends:

• USE A HEADSET OR SPEAKER
  Headsets emit much less radiation than phones. Choose either wired or wireless (experts are split on which version is safer) using our cellphone headset guide. Some wireless headsets emit continuous, low-level radiation, so take yours off your ear when you're not on a call. Using your phone in speaker mode also reduces radiation to the head.

•  LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS
  Your phone emits radiation when you talk or text, but not when you're receiving messages. Listening more and talking less reduces your exposures.

• HOLD PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR BODY
  Hold the phone away from your torso when you're talking (with headset or speaker), not against your ear, in a pocket, or on your belt where soft body tissues absorb radiation.

• CHOOSE TEXTING OVER TALKING
  Phones use less power (less radiation) to send text than voice. And unlike when you speak with the phone at your ear, texting keeps radiation away from your head.

• POOR SIGNAL? STAY OFF THE PHONE
  Fewer signal bars on your phone means that it emits more radiation to get the signal to the tower. Make and take calls when your phone has a strong signal.

• LIMIT CHILDREN'S PHONE USE
  Young children's brains absorb twice the cellphone radiation as an adult's. EWG joins health agencies in at least six countries in recommending limits for children's phone use, such as for emergency situations only.

• SKIP THE "RADIATION SHIELD"
  Radiation shields such as antenna caps or keypad covers reduce the connection quality and force the phone to transmit at a higher power with higher radiation.

From : http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/03/iphone-and-other-cell-users-beware-radiation-dangers-may-lurk/1?csp=obinsite