While there has been much talk floating the airwaves that cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers, this simply is not the case. An e-mail was even dispensed to people warning them of this occurrence and urging them to call an 800-number to get off the "hit list."
However, a spokesman from the T-mobile cell phone provider who specializes in privacy issues stated there is no such release planned. He also pointed out there is a federal law that prohibits telemarketers from using computer-generated dialing to connect to cell phones.
This fictitious e-mail also encouraged cell phone subscribers to place their numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry administered by the Federal Trade Commission to avoid getting sales calls. However, the Federal Trade Commission states that people have always had the option of putting cell phone and landline numbers on the registry since its launch in June 2003. It has been suggested that the e-mail derived from plans to roll out a 411 directory for wireless numbers next year. Yet, before a cell phone number can even be included in the directory, permission must first be granted from the cell phone customer.
Therefore -- with permission, of course -- the directory will include cell phone numbers drawn from the following cell phone providers:
One provider who does not plan on participating in the directory is Verizon Wireless.
San Mateo County Times December 8, 2004
It's likely the false e-mail regarding your cell phone number privacy has found its way into your e-mail box and given you a scare. However, what you may not find in your e-mail is the truth about how detrimental cell phones can be to your health if not used properly.
As mentioned in a past newsletter article, cell phones can potentially have a deadly impact on you. They dramatically increase your risk of having an accident by up to 400 percent; if you are young and healthy this may be your highest risk of death.
There is further compelling evidence to suggest it may be wise to minimize your exposure to cell phones in the comprehensive report on cell phone safety, published in the Lancet in 2000. I strongly encourage you to read it for more information.
Though I am in no way opposed to cell phones (I do have one myself) it is important to understand that cell phones are NOT your friend and you should use them as little as possible. I generally restrict my use to fewer than two to three minutes per year. I believe anything greater exposes one to a potentially significant risk.
In my view, there is no way I am going to take the risk of exposing my brain to the radiation from the phone. Therefore, to be on the safe side, I recommend using a wireless hands-free headset. Fortunately, the radiation decreases quite dramatically (exponentially) the further the phone is from the body (one over the square root of the distance between your body and the phone). When you use a headset, make sure the ENTIRE PHONE is away from your body, as wearing the phone on your belt will cause the radiation to go into your abdomen.
While radiating your abdominal organs is far safer than radiating your brain, ideally both should be spared the grief.
So please take these warnings to heart. Don't have a cell phone permanently attached to your ear and please (I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH) don't talk on the phone -- even if you are using a headset -- while driving. The attention you divert to your cell phone call will be taken away from your ability to concentrate on the road.
Also, as a precaution and for your own convenience, I advise you to register your cell number at the National Do Not Call Registry.
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