Telecommunications Design & Analysis

October, 2001

Cellular services were key in enabling people to communicate during the September 11th attack. More people than ever are relying on cellular in emergencies and many parents are buying them for their children. However, users should be aware of safety and use the service accordingly. Organizations that issue cellular telephones to employees may be liable in the event of a car crash or the onset of brain cancer.

What has the research indicated about cancer?

The research is inconclusive. Some scientists have determined that research has not covered a long enough period of time to be conclusive. The concern is that low levels of radiation emitted, mostly from the antenna, might be absorbed by tissue and cause damage to cells.

How is radiation absorption measured?

Cellular phone manufacturers measure the radiation absorbed as specific absorption rate (SAR). The law requires them to include the SAR with every phone sold. However, booklets with the rating are inside the cell phone’s box. Consumers need to open the package to check the radiation absorption rate. Ratings for phones more than two years old are at the FCC site, FCC.gov/oet/fccid and are listed by the phone’s FCC ID number found under the battery.

What about driving safety?

Various studies have concluded that driving while talking on cellular phones increases the risk of an accident. The University of Montreal’s Transportation Safety Laboratory February 7, 2001 report stated that cellular telephone users had a 38% higher risk of accidents than non-users.

New York state has banned the use of hand held cellular phones while driving as have various municipalities. Other states including Connecticut and Illinois are considering legislation. Moreover, at least 23 countries worldwide ban various uses of cellular phones while driving.

Are wireless hands-free devices safer than handheld phones?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Montreal’s Transportation Safety Laboratory have stated that driving while talking, even with hands-free devices is dangerous.

An August 2001 study by the National Safety Council documented that drivers using a cellular phone had dramatically slower response times than drivers listening to a book on tape or the radio. The study documented late response time in braking for a red light and missing lights altogether. The study noted no difference in response times between hand-held and hands-free cellular telephone users.

What else should users be aware of?

People that use hands-free cellular phones should be cautious about clipping phones to their belt or carrying them in their pocket. Radiation from phones worn near soft tissue could damage organs near the phone.

Scientists in the UK have warned that use of cell phones by children under 16 might be dangerous because of their thinner skulls, still developing nervous system and potentially longer use of the phones.

What should companies do?

According to statements by employment lawyers published in Network World and USA Today, to avoid being held liable for crashes, companies should discourage employees from using cellular phones while driving.

Services   Clients   Publications   Newsletter  
Annabel Dodd Consulting • 46 Woodmere Road • Framingham, MA 01701 • Voice 508-877-6089 • Fax 508-877-9475 • adodd@doddontheline.com