Cell Phone Myths

I realize this is off my usual subject, the ridiculous way Danville and the public schools is being run but on a holiday I don't want to get too depressed. Knowing that Danvillians are naive to a fault I couldn't help but notice that the Sam's Club had a sign about not using cell phones at the pump. While using mine I was approached by the brain trust that runs the pumps that I needed to turn off my cell phone. When I tried to explain to him the FACTS he simply said, "But the sign says so!" I was immediately reminded of the carelessness of the school board in BELIEVING everything that Sue Davis ever says without question. If they would only look at a few FACTS they might be able to get their collective heads out of the sand. Anyway here are some interesting myths about cell phones and the FACTS. (My daughter researched these.....LOL)

Cell phones crash planes.
Myth: If you use a cell phone while flying, the signal can interfere with the plane's compass and navigation systems, possibly leading to a crash.

True or False? It's debatable.Anyone who's flown knows that flight attendants ask you to turn off all electronics, including phones, until after takeoff. According to one pilot who was interviewed by ABC News, the reason for this is so you pay attention to safety instructions, and, in the case of an aborted liftoff, "I don't want a laptop flying across the cabin."A UK study in 2003 showed some interference with compasses and navigation systems, but that was done in controlled settings, not on real planes. More recent studies by the NASA and the FAA have found no instances where a cell phone caused a crash, although some pilots claimed otherwise.Currently, the approach is "better safe than sorry," but they say that systems in aircraft are shielded enough not to be disrupted. As soon as it's proven that there's no link or threat, you'll be able to talk someone's ear off instead of watching the crappy in-flight movie.

Cell phones can cause gas station fires.
Myth: While pumping gas, using or turning on your phone can release a charge of static electricity that will ignite the fuel.

True or false? False.This rumor dates back to the '90s, when a phony e-mail made the rounds of people's in-boxes around the world. The e-mail claimed that Shell Oil had issued a warning about three instances of cell phones causing fires at the pumps. When contacted about it in 2003, Shell claimed it was a complete hoax and that it wasn't aware of any such incidents.While it has been proved that static electricity can cause fuel vapors to combust, cell phones do not emit a strong enough amount to ignite anything. Smoking, however, will still cause problems.

Cell phones cause cancer.
Myth: Prolonged cell phone use can cause brain cancer or tumors because of radiation.

True or false? Debatable.Ever since cell phones became popular, both the media and average people have claimed that cell phones can cause cancer. Unfortunately, there have been many medical studies on the issue and they still don't offer any definitive proof.A 2005 study of 4,000 Europeans by the Institute of Cancer Research found no link to any types of cancer among regular phone users, but did say that radiation could potentially cause adverse effects, so moderation was recommended.

Cell phones can be used to open up locked cars.
Myth: Broadcasting the sound of a remote keyless entry device over a phone can open up a locked car.

True or false? FalseThe rumor is that if you have an extra key remote at home, you can call someone and have them hit the open button while you hold your phone up to the lock. Well, those entry systems use radio waves and proximity – think about when you've tried to open your car from too far a distance – and can't be transmitted over a phone.Unfortunately, if you lock your keys in the car, you'll have to get your spare set or AAA to open it for you.

Dialing a special code gives you extra battery life.
Myth: Entering *3370# or some other code will unlock a reserve amount of battery to allow you to make another call.

True or false? False.Sure, it'd be nice if this trick really worked but, unfortunately, once a battery's drained, you're out of luck. One European Nokia executive even called this idea "pure science fiction." Some phones actually use codes like that to enhance voice quality, which decreases battery life.Instead, keep your phone charged and don't rely on this one.

Cell phones interfere with hospital equipment.
Myth: Cell signals disrupt hospital equipment and can kill patients.

True or false? False.Many uniformed people have claimed that the radio frequency signals from phones somehow screw up medical technology in hospitals, so it's unsafe to use your phone in any of these settings. Even some hospitals have cell phone bans as a way to avoid this potentially life-threatening scenario.Thanks to a study by the Mayo Clinic, this was proved to be completely untrue. 300 tests using two cell phones, four carriers, and 192 medical devices were conducted at the clinic's Rochester campus over five months and not one problem occurred. The study even recommended that hospitals lift their bans, so you can forget about this one.

Hitting a button gets you a number that will help you get your phone back if it's stolen.
Myth: Pressing *#06# will give you a serial number that you can use to prevent your stolen phone from being used and help investigators find it.

True or false? Both.Yes, entering the code *#06# on many phones with GSM (those from T-Mobile or AT&T Wireless) will bring up a 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI number that is unique to your phone. It's also usually printed underneath the battery. Depending on your carrier, you could use this number, if you wrote it down, to flag the phone as invalid if someone tries to use it with a different SIM card or provider. Unfortunately, this doesn't really do much for you in terms of getting your phone back.The smarter option is to just report the phone as stolen to your service provider, which protects your account from unwanted charges.

Cell phone use lowers sperm count.
Myth: Carrying a phone in your pocket and constant use can lower your sperm count (that is, if you're a guy).

True or false? TrueSorry fellas, but if you're on your phone all the time, you might have a lower sperm count or abnormal swimmers.A study at a Ohio fertility clinic tested 361 men with infertility issues and divided them based on cell phone usage. Those who used their phone more than four hours a day were found to have much lower sperm counts and higher amounts of poor quality semen. The study is being reviewed currently, as it didn't take other factors such as drug use into account, and follow-up studies will also test electromagnetic radiation on sperm cells in labs to see if they're directly affected.It will be a while before we know anything for sure, but in the meantime, you might want to keep your talk time down.

So now you have all the FACTS on cell phones. Now if we could just get the school board to do a little research maybe the school system would get just a little bit better. Errrrrrrrr Don't hold your breath......................