Cellular Antenna Information
The antenna on a cellular phone is used to send signals from the phone to the antenna of the closest cellular station. The call is then routed through a switching center, where it is sent on to a land line or to another cell phone.
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Radio Frequency (RF) Energy
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The main source of a cell phone's RF energy is the antenna. Your exposure to RF energy increases the closer the cellular antenna is to your head. Most cell phones now have their antennae located in the phone's handset which is generally positioned against the head when the cell phone is in use. The greater the distance between the person using the cell phone and the cellular antenna, the less RF energy that person will absorb.
Signal Level
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When a cell phone is far from the base station antenna, it must use a higher power level to maintain the connection, which in turn affects the amount of radiation to which the caller is exposed. According to the National Cancer Institute, hands-free kits are effective at lowering RF energy exposure to a person's head, because the antenna is no longer put in direct contact with the head.
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Health Concerns
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There has been some concern about the possible health effects of the RF energy produced by cellular antennae on the human body. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, the amount of radiation produced by cell phones is not enough to lead to significant increased body temperature or tissue heating, and studies do not show a consistent link between cancer and cell phone use. Other RF applications include cordless phones, television and radio broadcasting and microwaves. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the environmental levels of RF energy that the general public is regularly exposed to are far lower than levels required to significantly heat body tissue.
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References
- Photo Credit cell phone image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
