Why you should use speaker mode or wired headsets for long calls
By making small adjustments in how we use our phones, we can create safer and healthier habits without compromising convenience.
With the widespread use of mobile phones, concerns about radiofrequency (RF) exposure have grown.
While mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation, prolonged and direct exposure to RF waves, especially when holding a phone close to your head, has raised questions about potential health effects.
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One simple way to reduce this exposure is by using speaker mode or wired headsets during long calls.
Understanding RF exposure from mobile phones
Mobile phones work by transmitting RF waves to and from cell towers. These waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the same category as Wi-Fi signals, microwaves, and radio waves.
Unlike ionising radiation (such as X-rays), RF waves do not directly damage DNA, but they can cause localised heating of tissues when absorbed by the body.
When you hold a phone close to your ear, RF waves penetrate your head and are absorbed by brain tissues.
Although studies have not confirmed a direct link between mobile phone use and serious health risks, prolonged exposure has been associated with potential thermal effects, headaches and discomfort.
Why use speaker mode or wired headsets?
Using speaker mode or a wired headset significantly reduces the amount of RF radiation absorbed by your body.
Here is how:
1. Increased distance from the head
- RF exposure decreases significantly with distance.
Holding your phone just 5-10 cm away from your head reduces radiation absorption by more than 10 times.
- Speaker mode allows you to talk without any direct exposure to your head.
2. Lower RF absorption with wired headsets
- Wired headsets do not emit RF waves and only transmit sound, keeping your head free from exposure.
- Unlike Bluetooth headsets, which still emit small amounts of RF waves, wired headsets provide a safer alternative.
3. Reduced thermal effects
- Holding a phone close to the ear for long durations can cause heating of nearby tissues
- Speaker mode eliminates this effect, while wired headsets keep the heat source (the phone) away from your body.
4. Better comfort and convenience
- Long calls can be tiring when holding a phone to your ear for extended periods.
- Speaker mode allows you to talk hands-free, while wired headsets offer better posture and comfort during calls.
Other ways to reduce RF exposure
Use airplane mode – When not using your phone, enable aeroplane mode to stop RF emissions.
Text instead of calling – Texting reduces RF exposure compared to voice calls.
Limit call duration – Reduce the time spent on long phone calls when possible.
Avoid weak signal areas – Phones emit higher RF levels when the signal is weak, so avoid calling in low-coverage areas.
While there is no conclusive evidence that mobile phone RF exposure causes serious health risks, precautionary measures can help minimize unnecessary exposure.
Using speaker mode or wired headsets is a simple and effective way to reduce RF absorption while improving comfort during long calls.
By making small adjustments in how we use our phones, we can create safer and healthier habits without compromising convenience.
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