If you haven’t yet, it’s time to get very serious about cell phone safety. Last month, California officially issued groundbreaking guidelines advising cell phone users to keep phones away from their bodies and limit use when reception is weak. State officials caution that studies link radiation and RF energy exposure from long-term cell phone use to an increased risk of brain cancer, lower sperm counts and other health problems, and note that children’s developing brains could be at greater risk.

What is RF energy? Cell phones work by sending and receiving signals to and from cell phone towers. These signals are a form of electromagnetic radiation called radiofrequency (RF) energy. Other sources of RF energy include cell phone towers, TV and radio transmitters, smart meters, and microwave ovens.  When a phone sends signals to a tower, the RF energy goes from the phone’s antenna out in all directions, including into the head and body of the person using the phone. Cell phones also emit RF energy when using Wi -Fi and/or Bluetooth, but at lower levels. RF energy is not as powerful or as  damaging to cells or DNA as some other kinds of electromagnetic radiation, such as X -rays. Some scientific studies have, however, suggested  that there may be increased health risks from exposure to RF energy.

Here are some things to do to make sure your limiting your risk:

Use airplane mode as often as possible

Airplane mode turns off cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This includes while you’re asleep, while the phone is in your pocket and while you’re in a fast -moving car, bus, or train (your phone puts out more RF energy to maintain connections to avoid dropping calls as it switches connections from one cell tower to the next).

Do not sleep with your cell phone near you

Especially under your pillow, something that is common for teens, and if you do, place it on airplane mode as mentioned above.

Keep the phone away from your body

Keep the phone away from your body as much as you can, avoid placing it in pockets, your bra, etc. and if you do, be sure to place it on airplane mode (<– important one for the men out there). Especially if you’re streaming or downloading or sending large files.

Keep the phone away from your head

When you talk on your phone, keep it away from your head, wireless bluetooth and headset emit much less RF energy. Especially if you’re streaming or downloading or sending large files

Avoid products that claim to block radio frequency energy

These products may actually increase your exposure.

Reduce cell phone use when the signal is weak

Cell phones put out more RF energy to connect with cell towers when the signal is weak.

Remove your headsets when not on a call

Headsets release small amounts of RF energy even when you are not using your phone.

Sorry to stress you out if you’re addicted to your phone, but these simple changes may have a big impact on your health.