5 Tips for Safer Cell Phone Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic

By Helen Lucey, Senior Digital Marketing Manager

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020

Covid-19 has made us all depend more on wireless technology. Whether you’re working remotely, attending school online or just staying in touch with family and friends, you’re more reliant than ever on Wi-Fi and cell service.

Although these technologies can empower us to keep working, learning and socializing while safely at home, they also come with their own risks.

Cell phone and Wi-Fi routers rely on non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency range, or RF-EMF, to transmit signals wirelessly. This type of radiation has been linked to brain cancer, emotional and hyperactivity disorders in kids, and to migraines. The World Health organization categorizes radiofrequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans. But more research still needs to be done.

Here are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to RF-EMF radiation while staying connected.

1. Use a headset or speaker phone so you don’t need to hold the phone against your head when speaking.

2. Keep your phone, tablet and other wireless devices away from your body, even when they’re not in use. Don’t keep your phone in your pocket, tucked into clothes or on your lap.

3. Keep devices in airplane mode when you can. Asks your kids to keep their devices in airplane mode when they’re playing games or in class.

4. Make sure you have strong service. Fewer bars equals more radiation, since the phone has to work harder to broadcast its signal. Try using Wi-Fi to connect instead if your cell signal is weak.

5. Create a separate space for your Wi-Fi router. Don’t keep it in your bedroom or right next to the office desk.