Health and Safety

Health and Safety
Wireless communications, despite the conveniences they afford, present some health concerns.
In recent years, there has been speculation that the radiation emitted from cell phones
was a carcinogen (a cancer-causing agent). [***A. Dornan, “Killer Aps,” Network
Magazine February 2001: 20.***] With the proliferation of wireless devices in homes,
offices and other areas where people would be subject to continued exposure, concerns
have been raised regarding the safety of these environments. However, it is important to
note, several contrasting studies have returned evidence that suggests wireless communication
mechanisms are not harmful.
M-Fact 7.4
In Britain, cellular phones are sold with a government-issued warning advising consumers
to limit the amount of time they spend using their phones. [***A. Dornan, “Killer Aps,”
Network Magazine February 2001: 44.***] 7.4
Ionization (the separation of electrons from atoms that is characteristic of high-frequency
rays) is a proven carcinogen. Wireless networks operate on low-frequency microwaves
where ionization does not occur. Microwaves, however, can affect internal organs
because the human epidermis does not absorb the majority of the emitted energy, sometimes
causing an internal burn. As a result, the FCC has mandated a cell-phone frequency
level low enough that the body’s natural defenses can protect it. [***A. Dornan, “Killer
Aps,” Network Magazine February 2001: 20.***]
Different wireless technologies emit microwaves at various power levels. For
example, wireless transmitters and cellular base stations become more harmful at close
ranges. The same is true with many wireless devices. In some cases, a company may sell
their product as safe to use when kept at certain distances from the body. Users neglecting
to educate themselves on the specific danger levels of a device may cause harm to themselves
and others. Additional resources discussing health issues and cellular use can be
found in Section 7.11, Internet and World Wide Web Resources.
Distracted drivers present another safety issue. Communities, such as Brookline, Massachusetts,
have already placed a ban on using cell phones while driving. The use of handsfree
devices is pending. [***T. Witowski, “Hands-free cell-phone trend sounds good
to Aura,” Boston Business Journal 30 November 2000: 20.***]Proponents of responsible
cell-phone use argue that the same issue was raised when radios were first implemented
in cars. To address this problem, many manufacturers are developing hands-free
kits that allow drivers to make cell-phone calls without taking their hands off the steering
wheel. In addition, voice-recognition technology allows drivers to program names and
phone numbers into their phones to initiate calls by speaking rather than dialing. Voice recognition
technologies are discussed in Chapter 30, Multimedia.
M-Fact 7.5
According to Prevention Magazine, 18 percent of polled individuals felt that driving while
talking on the phone led to a greater number of accidents. [***<www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
people/injury/research/wireless/c1.htm>***] 7.5
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© Copyright 2001. Deitel & Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Cell phones give people the opportunity to call for help from almost any location.
Accidents can be reported decreasing the amount of time for emergency services to arrive
at the scene of an accident. When Phase II of the E911 Act goes into effect, all cell phones
will be required to support location-identifying technology. E911 is discussed in detail in
Chapter 3, Location-Based Services.