I’m sure I may have written about this more than once, but I still feel that it is important to keep doing so. This time I have an expert in my corner. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute believes that excessive cell phone use could have serious health implications later on.

Numerous studies have indicated that there is no correlation between illnesses such as brain tumors and cell phone usage. However, there are studies which contradict each other pointing to possible future illnesses resulting from using cell phones.

In July, Dr. Herberman, sent a memo to staff and students of the University of Pittsburgh cautioning them to exercise care and prudence when using cell phones. His message implored mobile phone users about using the instruments in public places as it exposes others to the electromagnetic fields cell phones give off when being used.

His warning especially targeted parents and ask that they allow children to use cell phones only for emergencies. He believed that if there are ill effects from exposure to the radiation of cell phones, it is most likely to impact the still growing brains of children. He is not the only scientist who is concerned about the possible effect of cell phone usage on children.

Like Dr. Herberman, I think waiting until a study comes out stating that there are health risks involved in using mobile phones before we take action, could be too late. I strongly support a practice of preventative health, that is, take action now to prevent an occurrence of ill health rather than waiting and then seeking treatment or a cure.

The memo stated in part, ‘Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use.’

The reality is, there may never be any studies that confirm that using cell phones will harm our health, but you know what, there may also be one at some point. Our children’s future health is our business – let’s do what we can to help protect them, just in case.

As Dr. Herberman notes in his warning, it is better to ‘err on the side of being safe rather than be sorry later.’