Urban legends about cell phones

Urban legends about cell phones

Postby San » Sun May 02, 2010 12:37 pm

I've found a website that explains some of the most popular rumors and legends about mobile phones:

-Cell phones crash planes: the myth is that 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. 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: 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: the myth is that 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 phone use lowers sperm count. the myth is that carrying a phone in your pocket and constant use can lower your sperm count (if you're a guy).
True or false? True. Sorry 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.
San
 

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