EMFields - Javascript support requiredThe EMFields site requires javascript. Your browser either does not support javascript or currently has it disabled. Please enable javascript for www.emfields.org if you wish to purchase items on the EMFields website. If you are unhappy doing this, please place your order via phone on +44 (0)1353 778814.

Mobile and DECT cordless phones are associated with brain tumours and infertility

Advice from the UK Department of Health states that children under 16 should be discouraged from using mobiles apart from for short essential calls. Many other governments across the world advise even stronger precautionary action, not only for children but everybody, especially vulnerable and sensitive people. One of the world's largest mobile phone manufacturers, Motorola, states:"...keep the mobile device and its antenna at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) away from your body when transmitting" - not easy to remember to do!

Brain, salivary gland and mouth cancers have been linked to using a phone whilst holding it, if it is unscreened, to your head. Texting is a safer way to use the phone, but you have to be very careful where you hold it when sending the text message, holding it, if it is unscreened, away from your body.

When a phone is carried on standby, it emits high levels every now and again, to keep in touch with the best signal source. If the signal strength is poor, the phone tries to make contact more frequently. An unscreened phone will radiate the part of the body it is carried next to. This could be the abdomen of a pregnant woman, the reproductive organs of a woman trying to become pregnant, or the testicles of a boy or man if carried in the trouser pocket. Research has shown that men who carry phones in this way have been found to be significantly less fertile.

Eyes, breasts and testicles are probably the most vulnerable parts of the body. Keep your phone away from these areas when in use or on standby.

You can reduce the radiation to your body by up to 98% if you use an EMFields BlocSock or an Airtube Hands free headset when you use your phone for a call or on standby in a pocket. Be aware, be cautious, be safer.

	If you really have to use a mobile phone, please consider using either an airtube hands-free headset (shown right) or a BlocSock (shown left, in use) - (click on the pictures for links). When used properly these reduce the SAR (a measure of the radiation absorbed by your head) by up to 98%.
BlocSock		Airtube Hands Free Headsets

EMFields also stock a wide number of effective screening products. You may need to use these if, for example, your neighbour has an ordinary DECT cordless base unit (not a low EMF-type) just the other side of a shared wall when the microwave levels in that part of your house will be quite high. If you are unsure what the levels are in your house, you can hire an Acoustimeter to find out. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way of finding out whether there are any sources of high emissions that may affect the health of you and your family.

Cordless (DECT) Phones

Digital Cordless Telephones (DECT) are increasingly becoming the first choice of phone apparatus used in the home and workplace. These telephones use the same technology as mobile phones and the base unit emits pulsed microwave radiation 24 hours a day, whether the phone is in use or not. Many people who are sensitive to RF radiation can feel ill-health symptoms (headaches, nausea, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, blood pressure changes, etc.) in a house with this type of phone.

Many people seem to react to landlines (not just DECT), and one possibility is that the line itself is picking up RF from a nearby source. You can screen this out by using one of our ADSL filters with ferrite bead attached.

Almost all DECT cordless phone base units emit pulsed microwave radiation 24-7. As far as we know, the only exceptions are the DECT-ECO-PLUS range by Siemens. These need to be set into their ECO-PLUS mode using their menu instructions. For good health and good sleep we do not recommend the use of any other DECT phones. Some other makes offer "Eco-DECT" but these just reduce their power when you are close to the base unit and still continue to transmit pulsing microwaves 24-7.

Further Information:

The free to download EMFields library articles offer a great deal more detailed information about these issues.

Most manufacturers recommend keeping the phone at least 1.5cm away from your body and do not recommend fastening a phone to a belt unless a special RF screening holster is used. For example, the iPhone 4's manual advises owners to keep the handset "at least 5/8 inch (15mm) away from the body" when making a call or using data "to be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC guidelines". Most mobile phone manuals now include a similar warning, e.g. "Use hands-free operation (such as an airtube headset)if it is available and keep the Blackberry device at least 0.98 in. (25 mm) from your body (including the abdomen of pregnant women and the lower abdomen of teenagers) when the Blackberry device is turned on and connected to the wireless network. Reduce the amount of time spent on calls."