Cellphones have become part of our lives and we carry them everywhere. But do you know that keeping the phone in certain spots for long can be harmful to the device and, worse, a risk to your health?
1. In the bra
Most women have done this in their lifetime; they still do. However, available research shows that keeping your phone in your bra could be linked to breast cancer due to the radiations and vibrations from the phone. But, there is not enough evidence to establish a definite relationship between the two. But health experts still advise you to avoid keeping the electronic device in the bra or too close to the breasts.
2. Under the pillow
This is a common practice in many homes, but this is one of the worst ideas for several reasons. First, keeping your phone under the pillow while sleeping could build up heat and present a potential fire hazard, especially if your phone is charging or has a defect. Secondly, it’s also known that the blue light emitted from phone screens can disrupt melatonin production and circadian rhythms, hurting your sleep quality, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Also, there is a possibility of over exposure to potentially harmful radiation since cellphones emit electromagnetic radiation waves whenever they are on.
3. On a charger
While leaving your cell phone charging all night long won’t harm your health, it’ll significantly reduce the battery’s efficiency and reduce your phone’s lifespan. It is recommended to activate a ‘full charge’ notification to avoid overcharging, unless of course you have loads of money to waste on phones.
4. Close to the face
It’s impossible to actually take a call and let the phone not come in contact with your face. But do you know that keeping your phone close to your face means bacteria transfers to and from your phone, making your skin and phone dirtier. This combination leads to more acne, skin irritation, and even wrinkles. To limit the damage, use earphones when on a call, so that the phone doesn’t come in direct contact with the skin.
5. Washroom
Many people take their cell phones to the bathroom with them, but this is not a good move. By doing so, you expose your phone to all manners of germs, viruses and bacteria. Even if you keep your device on a counter or away from the toilet, anything within three feet of a flushing toilet could end up with bacteria or viruses in the air. In a situation where you can’t leave your phone behind it is advisable to put your device in a bag, as long as the bag is on a hook.
6. In the stroller
While parents try hard to limit screen time for their young children, what many don’t realise is that they are exposing their little ones to harmful radiation by keeping their phones in the stroller while out for a walk with their toddlers. Phones kept near children have been linked to behavioural problems and attention deficit disorder in many children.
7. Hot or cold places
High temperatures are harmful to electronics, phones included. Excess heat can cause everything from data loss or corruption to battery leakage. When the heat is exposed to too much heat, it can explode, causing injuries to people. Cold temperatures on the other hand are also harmful. If your phone is left in the cold for long, once you bring the device back into a warm place, condensation forms, and this can lead to problems with the internal details of the device. To prevent your phone from this, buy a “warm” phone case.
8. On the hip
Available research findings shows that wearing a cell phone on your hip area may weaken the pelvis area, which is widely used for bone grafting. This is because the phone exposes the area to electromagnetic fields. To avoid all this, always keep your phone as far as possible from your body.
9. Back pocket
Keeping your phone in your back pocket is comfortable, but there are a few problems you may face because of this. Some of the problems are: dialing a certain number unaware because most phones have touch screens, it is easy to forget that it is in your pocket and break it accidentally and you can also suffer from leg and stomach pains because of this.
10. Front pocket
This is a common practice with men that should stop. This is because when cell phones are on, connected to a wireless network, and placed in a pocket, the radiation is two to seven times higher than if it were placed in a purse or holster. This radiation has been found to decrease the sperm mobility among men and the more time in the pocket, the greater the risk.
