BBB Cautions Consumers to Shield Themselves from Cell Phone Radiation

Aug. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Scammers Selling Unproven Technology for Big Bucks

Looking for a way to protect yourself from cell phone radiation?  Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warn consumers not to get frightened into buying useless technology for sale over the Internet.

Concerns about harmful Radio Frequency (RF) radiation given off by cell phones surfaced shortly after the technology was introduced.  There are contradicting studies as to whether cell phone RF causes brain cancer and, to date, such dangers are unproven. However, scammers are cashing in on consumer concerns about potential risks.

A quick Internet search will turn up a wide range of devices that claim to reduce RF radiation exposure, costing between $5.00 and more than $100.  These include anti-radiation shields, absorbers and chips, all of which promise to protect even the casual cell phone user.  The problem, is there is no scientific proof they actually work, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports some of these devices degrade cell phone functioning.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the FTC are warning consumers to be on the lookout for these so-called “shields” and advising consumers to turn to free options to limit exposure to cell phone electromagnetic emissions.

According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, scammers move quickly to turn fear into dollars.

“Studies about any health effects caused by cell phones continue; however, the scammers know they can prey upon consumers’ fears, even if there is no danger.”

BBB and the FTC advise consumers to consider these free options for limiting cell phone electromagnetic emissions:

Go hands free - When chatting on the phone for long periods of time consider using a hands-free device, like an earpiece, or using the speakerphone feature. For the short conversations, you may even want to consider just texting the message, which allows for a quick response and keeps the phone away from your head.  

Wait for a good signal - When you have a weak signal, your phone works harder, emitting more radiation. Phones also give off more radiation when transmitting than when receiving, so tilt the phone away from your head when you’re talking, and bring it back to your ear when you’re listening.

Shop around - When looking for a new cell phone, consider investing in one that has a low specific absorption rate (SAR) before you buy. Measured in watts per kilogram of tissue, the SAR reveals how much radiation the body absorbs while using the mobile device. The FCC has record of this information for phones that were made in the last two years. You can find the FCC ID number on the inside of your cell phone’s case. Legally, in the US, a phone may not emit more than 1.6 watts per kilogram.

For more tips specific to cell phone emission, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt109.shtm. More consumer tips are available at For more consumer tips you can trust, visit http://ct.bbb.org/bbb-news.

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Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.