Chicago, IL –
August 16, 2012 – Even though the idea of cell phones emitting dangerous
radiation is still being studied and is open to debate, this notion has spawned
its own scams that take advantage of worried consumers. The Better Business
Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is warning people to be on
the lookout for scammers selling shields that supposedly protect cell phone
users from cancer caused by waves emitting from their phones.
“This is
unproven technology guarding against an unproven danger,” stated Steve Bernas,
president and CEO of the BBB. “Instead
of spending money on questionable products, we recommend consumers turn to free
options if they are concerned about cell phone electromagnetic emissions.”
Bernas
also noted that the Federal
Trade Commission also stated that these shields may interfere with cell
phone reception.
The BBB
advises 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 the
speakerphone. For short conversations, texting the message 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 Federal Communications
Commission 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 can’t emit more than 1.6 watts per kilogram.
For more consumer
tips, visit www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit organization, the
purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace.
BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation
and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices
and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses
and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or
charity before making a purchase or donation.
