Cell phones have low-power transmitters in them. Most car phones have a transmitter power of 3 watts. A handheld cell phone operates on about 0.75 to 1 watt of power. The position of a transmitter inside a phone varies depending on the manufacturer, but it is usually in close proximity to the phone's antenna. The radio waves that send the encoded signal are made up of electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation is made up of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving at the speed of light, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). When talking on a cell phone, most users place the phone against the head. In this position, there is a possibility that some of the electromagnetic radiation will be absorbed by human tissue.

All cell phones emit some amount of electromagnetic radiation i.e. cell phone radiation. Given the close proximity of the phone to the head, it is possible for the cell phone radiation to cause some type of harm to the 118 million cell phone users in the United States. What is being debated is how much cell phone radiation is considered unsafe and if there are any potential long-term effects of cell-phone radiation exposure.

The FDA states that "the available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any adverse health effects associated with the use of mobile phones." However, that doesn't mean that the potential for harm from electromagnetic radiation doesn't exist. Cell phone radiation can damage human tissue if it is exposed to high levels of radiation, according to the FCC. RF radiation has the ability to heat human tissue, much like the way microwave ovens heat food. Damage to tissue can be caused by exposure to RF radiation because the body is not equipped to dissipate excessive amounts of heat. The eyes are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of blood flow in that area.

The added concern with non-ionizing radiation (the type of radiation associated with cell phones) is that it could have long-term effects. Although it may not immediately cause damage to tissue, scientists are still unsure about whether prolonged exposure could create problems. This is a sensitive issue because of the millions of people using cell phones today. In 1994, there were 16 million cell phone users in the United States alone. As of July 17, 2001, there were more than 118 million.

Here are a few health problems that may be linked to cell phone radiation:

? Cancer

? Brain tumors

? Alzheimer's

? Parkinson's

? Fatigue

? Headaches

If you are worried about the potential risks of cell-phone radiation, here are few ways to reduce your risk:

? Use a hands-free headset

? Use a phone that places the antenna as far away from you as possible

? Limit calls inside buildings

? Use a health protector such as Chi Waveguard. Available for only $19.95. It neutralizes the negative effects of electromagnetic fields radiated from cell phones or electrical products.