Just carrying around a smartphone puts your security at risk, but there are ways to minimize this. Here’s one common practice that you need to put a stop to.
The dangers don’t stop there. Cellphones can pose a risk to your very health. Here’s how.
Have a medical implant? Be careful
Let’s start with what we know: Your phone contains magnets or components that emit electromagnetic fields that interfere with electronics.
Have you ever heard a buzzing sound coming out of your speakers? Move your cellphone away and it’ll likely stop. But speakers are the least of your worries.
Apple has an official page on magnetic interference with medical implants. You know it’s bad when a company as big as Apple has to warn you about the dangers of its devices.
Magnetic fields can cause implanted pacemakers and defibrillators to malfunction. It isn’t just iPhones you have to worry about, either. Everything from AirPods to MacBooks carries risks:
AirPods and cases
- AirPods and charging case
- AirPods Pro and charging case
- AirPods Max and Smart Case
Apple Watch and accessories
- Apple Watch
- Apple Watch bands with magnets
- Apple Watch magnetic charging accessories
HomePod
- HomePod
- HomePod mini
iPad and accessories
- iPad
- iPad mini
- iPad Air
- iPad Pro
- iPad Smart Covers and Smart Folios
- iPad Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
- Magic Keyboard Folio
- Magic Keyboard for iPad
iPhone and MagSafe accessories
- iPhone 12 models
- iPhone 13 models
- iPhone 14 models
- MagSafe accessories
Mac and accessories
- Mac mini
- Mac Pro
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro
- iMac
- Apple Pro Display XDR
Beats
- Beats Flex
- Beats Studio Buds
- BeatsX
- Powerbeats Pro
- UrBeats3
Don’t think for a minute that this issue is limited to Apple products. Android phones or any brand of earbuds, wireless headphones or smart watches could cause problems, too.
Keep all cellphones and Bluetooth devices at least 6 inches away from your chest. Bump that up to 12 inches when wirelessly charging a device.
If you know someone with a medical implant, be sure to share this information.
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Cancer risks
Your phone emits radiation even when you’re not using it because it’s always in contact with the nearest cellphone tower.
While the FCC and FDA say there’s no consistent scientific evidence of health problems caused by exposure to cellphone radiation, that’s based on data that’s over 20 years old.
Over 10 years ago, a friend of Kim’s — an actual brain surgeon — gave her this advice: Never hold a cellphone up to your head. He said his colleagues were seeing an increase in brain tumors on the right side of the head.
Here are the steps Kim takes to minimize the risk of cellphone radiation:
1. Don’t use your cellphone on a bus, train or plane when your connection is low
Get this: Your phone emits more radiation, not less, when you don’t have a strong signal. Look at your phone’s bars. If that signal isn’t very strong, your phone is hard at work trying to connect to the network.
During these times, especially, keep it away from your head and body. Stick with texts or use headphones or a headset.
2. Default to speakerphone
I get it. You don’t want to have every conversation, especially in public, on speaker. It is an easy solution, though. I do this at home or in my car.
3. Use headphones or a headset
For most calls, I have my AirPods in. The audio is crystal clear, usually better than without headphones. Wireless earbuds connect to your phone via Bluetooth, which research shows may pose less risk than cellphone emissions. Wired headphones work, too, though they aren’t nearly as convenient.
At the office or while you’re sitting at a desk, a nice headset or over-the-ear headphones are a terrific option.
4. Don’t store your phone on your body
Let me break it down for you:
- Women: Don’t put your phone in your bra. If you’re pregnant, keep your phone away from your growing bellies.
- Men: Don’t carry your phone in your front pants pocket. Here’s why.
I don’t like carrying a purse, but I like having my cellphone in my pocket even less. Small crossbody bags made to hold a phone can come in handy on vacation or for running quick errands.
If you must carry your phone in your pants, consider a signal-blocking pouch. Yes, this will totally block your phone’s signal, so you won’t get calls or messages when it’s inside. More importantly, it will keep your body safe.
5. Don’t sleep with your phone under your pillow or near your head
This one is a no-brainer for a few reasons. Unless you sleep with your phone on Do Not Disturb, you don’t need buzzes, dings and lights interrupting your rest.
It’s a fire hazard. Some people sleep with their phones under a blanket or even under their pillow. Phones are not designed to be covered like this for extended periods and need airflow for proper ventilation. Cheap charging cables can also lead to fires. Don’t take the risk.
This information is important. Share this post with your family and friends, too. You might save a life.