For whatever its worth, I used to be able to recite you these lyrics. As far as connection of the song and this post other than the title? I’m not really sure. The song just kind of popped into my head. Then I decided I’ll dedicate this post to Mrs. Cotton, who has made my aware of all things poison.
For many reasons her sensitivity to the random things we expose ourselves to in today’s world has given me more caution.
Cell Phone Radiation.
Mrs. Cotton said something to me about this way back. Then I saw Tim Ferriss cover it in his book. The idea here is quite simple. A certain amount of radiation is emitted from your phone (more comes when your phone is searching for a signal). Radiation is bad. Some say poisonous in certain levels.
I did some digging and of course plenty of information exists on both sides. The three areas I think about most are (a) walking around with a cell phone stuck forever to your head (brain cancer), (b) leaving it in your pocket all day long (testicular cancer) and (c) Mrs. Cotton keeping it around her belly (all things unborn babies).
Luckily, some of the fixes are easy.
Brain Cancer.
Fortunately for me, I’m not too worried about this one because I don’t talk on my cell for too long. And, Mrs. Cotton’s cell phone use is quite infrequent. I did see some information that brain cancer is less of a concern because less radiation permiates through the skull due to its thickness. The caveat —- always a caveat —- the skulls of little ones are not that thick. If you have growing persons around that are always chatting on a cell, I’d look into this. Or make them use ear buds and a microphone.
Testicular Cancer
I bet if you searched the pockets of men aged 18-45 some 90% would have a cell phone in their pocket, casually emitting raditation next to vital organs that produce testosterone among many other splendid things. When I read Ferriss’ book and discussed it with my wife, who reminded me she told me about this way long ago, I realized how big of an idiot I am.
Ferriss talks about a visit to the doctor and the discovery of low sperm count. Again, I don’t know if the one equals the other. But of all the things to risk. Not the swimmers.
Again, the fix is easy. Turn off the cell when its in your pocket. Take it out of your pocket. Dont carry it in your pocket. You get the picture.
Luckily for me, my swimmers swim. But when I was younger I listened to Bell Biv Devoe off of a walkman, not a do everything cell phone. Now, with the benefit of having a little one around, I think of all the young men aged 15 or so that will have a cell phone lodged in their pocket the next 20 years.
Female Reproductive Organs and Unborn Babies.
I don’t have much here because Mrs. Cotton doesn’t keep her cell on her. Thankfully. So I’m going to pass on tossing an extra opinion out there in an area filled with lots of opinions and judgments.
I’m merely pointing out a possible issue to whomever may stumble upon this.
Takeaway.
The reason I skipped much of the radiation science (other than my lack of desire or perhaps ability to understand it) is that the fixes are too easy when the potential outcomes are considered. But if I was a constant cell phone user or had kids aged 15-25 (that are highly likely to use cell phones all the time) I’d dig my teeth into this.
To the Skeptic:
When they take x-rays of my teeth at the dentists office, they put the heavy vest on my chest and go into a separate room. I understand that the radiation from a cell phone is different. But please don’t tell me I shouldn’t think twice about something emitting radiation being next to my or a loved one’s brain, reproductive organs, baby, _____ (you fill in the blank).
