Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Mark Turner <markt AT siteseers.net>]

Tanner Lovelace wrote:
> Well, it depends on what frequencies Nextel uses and what type of
> modulation too.  As I'm sure you know Mark, cell phones put out
> far less than most ham radio handhelds (which generally can transmit
> 5 watts of power).  I'd be surprised if Nextel's phones were putting
> out even 1 watt.

<radio geek talk>

Yes, but as you know, Tanner, the higher the frequency (and smaller the 
wavelength), the more focused the radio wave becomes. A five-watt 1+ GHz 
signal next to your head would be a thing to avoid, if not outright 
dangerous.

Also remember that the strength of a radio signal increases four times 
as distance is halved (the inverse square law). Thus, far more signal 
goes into your head than ever reaches the tower.

It's quite possible that his phone was being used close to the CAT5 
cable my phone was using, since he was working in the ceiling. His phone 
may have interfered with the frequencies on the Ethernet cable.

</radio geek talk>

> There's no proof one way or another that radio waves affect adult
> brains (behaviour of people with cellphones notwithstanding) ,
> so while being cautious, you probably shouldn't throw it out
> right away.

Truth is, we don't yet know how mobile phone radiation affects us. Yes, 
most studies have shown no health dangers. But some have. For instance, 
some research concluded last year by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety 
Authority of Finland seemed to indicate some damage to human cells:

http://www.helsinki-hs.net/news.asp?id=20020419IE2

Some other links on the topic:
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/publicfeature/aug00/prad.html
http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact193.html
http://www.uku.fi/lavita/

It pays to be careful. I'm just sayin'.

Cheers,
--
Mark Turner
www.markturner.net