If only cell phones didn’t emit radiation they would be the perfect technology. They have radically improved our communications, and are changing our lives. But unfortunately, the radiation issue is one we cannot sensibly ignore. Scientific research is clear that the microwaves cell phones produce are harmful. And although this is inconvenient, the consequences of ignoring the science are dire.

The traditional response to anyone who is worried about the health risks of using a cell phone is to advise them to use a Bluetooth headset. Bluetooth is safer, the argument goes, because it avoids exposing your brain to the harmful radiation your cell phone produces. But what is the science behind this claim? Is it based on rigorous research?

What is a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in relation to cell phones, and what difference does it actually make?

You have probably heard the warnings that talking too much on your cell phone can cause brain cancer. Maybe you took them seriously, and maybe you didn’t. After all, the threat seems remote, everyone else uses their phone day in and day out, and when you put your phone down after a conversation you don’t actually feel ill. So the warnings are easy to dismiss.

Nearly 15% of couples of reproductive age face fertility issues. The causes of these issues vary greatly from genetic to environmental, but one of the most common is also one of the most surprising; it sits unremarked in your pocket, keeps you connected to the world, and would appear to be completely harmless.

The correlation between cell phone use and reduced fertility has been remarked on and confirmed in numerous scientific studies worldwide. Different approaches have been taken to try to establish a definitive answer to the question of how much harm cell phone radiation causes, but three common threads can be identified.

There are thousands of different cell phone cases available – from bejeweled wonders your wife would adore through to the camouflage patterned case Uncle Joe uses. Most of these cases are designed to look cool. Some offer varying degrees of protection to the phone. But how many of them protect you, the user? The answer is that few if any are designed with the aim of keeping cell phone users safe.