• Use of a cell phone can be dangerous in situations where cell phone use is restricted.cell phone image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
  
  Cell phone use is on the rise. Learning standard cell phone precautions can protect you and others while you are driving, in places of high levels of radiation, or constantly using a phone that emits large amounts of radiation.
  
  

Choose a Safe Cell Phone

• Choose a model that emits the lowest levels of electromagnetic radiation. According to the World Health Organization, this radiation can cause health problems especially with prolonged use. Some cancers, particularly brain cancer, are linked to excessive exposure to radiation. The World Health Organization recommends the following precautions: choose a phone that produces the lowest levels of radiation possible, do not allow children to regularly use cell phones, use a hands-free device to prevent overexposure and keep cell phones away from the body to minimize radiation exposure.
  
  

Avoid Using a Cell Phone While Driving

• Operating a cell phone while driving is unsafe and making and answering calls should be avoided when behind the wheel. The use of Bluetooth or hands-free devices should be used rather than using the handset. In general, cell phone use in the car should be restricted. In some states, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone or send a text message. Many states restrict drivers from using a cell phone at all unless making or receiving a call with a hands-free device.
  
  

Avoid Use in High Radiation Areas

• Precautions must also be taken into effect when the radiation or noise from use could negatively affect others. Cell phones must be turned off in a medical treatment facility such as a hospital or doctor's office. Use of cell phones in airplanes and airports is also restricted in specific areas to prevent conflicts with radiation and air traffic control. In these cases, the radiation emitted by your cell phone and the transmission of information can interfere with communications devices (in the case of an airplane) or may cause medical equipment to malfunction due to magnetic forces and radiation (in the case of a hospital or treatment facility).