Cell Phone Safety

Find out how to minimize potential health and safety risks from cell phones.

Regulations

California hand-held wireless telephone law prohibits drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle. Hands-free operation of cell phones and use for emergency purposes is permitted.

The wireless communications device law prohibits writing, sending, or reading text-based communications on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.

UC cell phone policy (PDF) requires employees to avoid using a university-provided cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

Hang up and drive

Using a headset or speaker phone helps keep your hands on the steering wheel, but won't keep your attention on driving. A Carnegie Mellon University study (Just, Keller, Cynkar, 2008) showed that attending to a cell phone call significantly distracts drivers.

Radio frequency (RF) energy

Cell phone users concerned about possible health risks associated with RF emitted by the phones can take these precautions:

• Reduce the amount of time you spend on cell phones by using a conventional phone whenever possible.
• In your car, use a hands-free device or speaker mode.
• Purchase a phone with a low specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR is measured in watts per kilogram of RF, and the maximum SAR allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is 1.6. In contrast, some "low-radiation" phones have SARs lower than 0.5.

Related information

• California cell phone and text messaging laws, California Department of Motor Vehicles
• Cell Phone Facts, U.S. FDA, Center for Devices and Radiological Health
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phones and Your Health, (PDF) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Health Issues: Do cell phones pose a health hazard?, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
• Radio Frequency Safety, FCC, Office of Engineering Technology
• UC Business & Finance Bulletin G-46, Guidelines for the Purchase and Use of Cellular Phones and Other Portal Electronic Resources
• Using Cell Phones for UCSD Business
• Wireless, Federal Communications Commission

Safety

Public Health Information

• BPA in Consumer Products
• Cell Phone Safety
• Flu Information
• Literature Building Study
• West Nile Virus Information