Are cell phones dangerous to my health or not?

Q: What's the bottom line: Are cell phones dangerous to my health or not?

A: We don't know yet. Cell phones are suspected of causing brain tumors because they generate an electromagnetic field. But the tumors can take many years, even decades, to develop, so it may be a while before experts understand the long-term effects of cell phones.

On one hand, two recent reports suggest there's no need to worry. After comparing the cell-phone habits of more than 300 brain cancer patients with those of healthy people, Japanese researchers reported last February that they could find no link between the amount of time spent on the phone and the likelihood of developing the disease. And a 6-year study concluded last year by the United Kingdom's Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme also found no correlation between short-term (less than 10 years) use of cell phones and brain cancer.

However, other researchers have come to the opposite conclusion. Swedish investigators determined in 2006 that you have a 240% greater risk of developing a malignant brain tumor on the side of the head on which you usually use the device. Other research suggests that using a cell phone for more than 10 years may double your risk of developing benign tumors called acoustic neuromas, as well as malignant brain and nervous system tumors called gliomas.

Fertility is another concern: A Cleveland Clinic study of 361 men (reported in Fertility and Sterility, February 2008) found that the longer they spent talking on a cell phone each day, the lower their sperm count and the greater their percentage of abnormal sperm.

Until we know more about the long-term safety of cell phones, I think it's a good idea to use them with caution. I also recommend keeping the phone away from your body by using a headset or wireless earpiece. For your car, use a phone with a remote antenna outside the vehicle.

From Dr. Weil on MSN Health & Fitness

RF RAIDER (PROTECTION FROM CELL PHONE RADIATION)