story by Kelly Petryszyn :: photo illustration by Tessa Bargainnier

They’re things you use without even thinking about it. They’re things you may be using right now. Find out how to use the following items the right way.

Cell phones

They’ve become the lifelines of 4 billion users worldwide. Many people keep their cell phones with them all day without a second thought to the possible dangers of extended use. Lloyd Morgan, the lead author of the August report, “Cell phones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern,” has given it thought. His study examines independent research and other studies released by the telecommunications industry, including the Telecom-funded Interphone study. He says a person’s exposure to cell phone radiation depends on the length of time used and the power that the cell phone is generating.

Researchers behind this study met with communication industry specialists about this concern at a Senate hearing Sept. 14. It was determined that no action can be taken until further research is conducted. Groups on the other side of the debate include CITA-The Wireless Association, representing the wireless industry, the Federal Communications Commission and the American Cancer Society. “No research indicates they are harmful,” says Al Stabilito, spokesman of the American Cancer Society. He added that it will take time to have thorough research on this topic. There is one thing that both sides can agree on: People should keep their cell phones as far from their body as possible. “Anywhere immediately next to your body is highly dangerous,” Morgan says.

Water bottles

According to an article from U.S. News and World Report, the National Toxicology Program says the amount of Bisphenol A released may depend on the temperature of the liquid or the container itself rather than the age of the plastic bottle. The Canadian government is considering declaring the chemical toxic. The evidence warrants “a higher level of concern than those expressed by expert (scientific) panel for possible effects of BPA on prostate gland, mammary gland and early onset of puberty,” an NTP report states in the article. This chemical is present in our bodies. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted studies that show almost all Americans have BPA levels in their body.

Hygiene products

Cosmetic companies aren’t required to list all ingredients on their products’ labels, says Stacy Malkan, cofounder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of non-profit and environmental health organizations that promotes non-toxic personal care products. This becomes a problem when some ingredients may be toxic or may be contaminated. To avoid the risk of exposure, she advises using the simple products that contain the fewest ingredients. “If you don’t know what most ingredients are, keep looking,” Malkan says. A good source is the Skin Deep database, sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Malkan says. This database includes more than 50 toxicity and regulatory databases.

Sodium Fluoride, an anti-plaque oral agent:

Direct exposure to this ingredient puts humans at risk of cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity and other concerns.

Source: Skin Deep database