Radiation

• Different cell phones expose users to different levels of radiation. The Environmental Working Group has assembled a list of mobile phones, in which it clearly labels how much radiation exposure users can expect to get from each phone. It also keeps this list updated regularly. See the Environmental Working Group's website under References to find out the most current information about your mobile phone.
  
  

Brain Disruption

• According to the Bioinitiative Report, which was released in August 2007, 26 public health and medical experts have concluded that cell phone overuse can affect brain functioning, causing memory lapses and an inability to concentrate. Dr. Peter Franch has found that brain cells face lasting and permanent damage from prolonged exposure to low-power cell phone frequencies. See Resources for further information and to read the Bioinitiative Report online.
  
  

Driving

• The British Columbia Medical Association said in an official statement that using mobile phones while driving significantly reduces driver reaction times. This includes talking on your phone, texting and using your phone for other activities, such as web surfing. They also mentioned that it doesn't matter what type of phone you're using; the real problem is the distraction factor.
  
  

Do Hands-Free Devices Make a Difference?

• Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety performed a Freedom of Information Act request that revealed some disturbing information in July 2009. According to his findings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attempted to bury reports that showed all cell phone usage while driving to be just as dangerous as driving while drunk---including use of hands-free devices. The report showed that there is no safe way to use your cell phone while behind the wheel. See the Resources for further information on this report.
  
  

Is There Such a Thing as "Safer Texting?

• A software engineer, Matt Howard, has designed a program called ZoomSafer that's meant to make driving and texting safer. What it actually does is act like a text answering service while you and your mobile phone are in a moving car. If people contact you via text, it automatically sends a message back informing them that you're driving and that you'll respond when you get to your destination. You can also set "Priority Contacts" with this system, and if a message from one of them arrives, your phone will sound an audible alarm. You can then press any button at all on your phone, and the message will be read to you out loud. As of September 2009, this program is only available for Blackberry users.