Kyocera Wireless announced on March 5 that it would recall a batch of its QCP-3035 model cell phone, used by about 11,000 people with the Qwest Communications service in 12 states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). The defective phones, which became available in December, were emitting radio frequency (RF) levels that exceeded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) standards. Although the recall isn't a huge one - 11,000 phones recalled compared to the more than 82 million cell phone users in the United States - it once again puts the debate over cell phones and their effect on users' health on the table.

Kyocera is adamant that the phones are not harmful to users, despite claims that excessive amounts of RF emitted from cell phones can cause cancer. They have a point - no research has proven that the RF emitted by cell phones is harmful, and even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that there have been no conclusive findings on health problems caused by cell phone use. So why are there government standards in place if there is no proof of harm?

The effects of radiation can take 10 to 20 years to show up, according to the FDA. Although cell phones made their debut in 1984, the majority of us have only been using them for five years or so.

Nonetheless, Congress put the FDA in charge of controlling cell phones now, even when studies aren't telling us much. The FCC works with the FDA to regulate cell phones by handling emission standards (it's in charge of handling RF emissions from all products). The goal is to strictly limit emissions now, not wait until it's proven that RF emissions are unsafe.

Cell phone emission levels are set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is the amount of RF absorbed into the head of a cell phone user. The FCC sets the maximum emission level for cell phones at 1.6 watts per kilogram. Although the FDA doesn't test phones before they go on the market like they do with drugs, if it's discovered a phone is exceeding standards the FDA can require the manufacturer to recall, repair, or replace the phone. They are also now requiring all manufacturers to list the SAR on cell phones (usually under the battery pack) and include data explaining SAR on the phone packaging.

In the case of Kyocera, the high emissions only occurred in rare instances when the phone was in analog service or on certain channels. Engineers at Kyocera discovered this, and the manufacturer recalled the phones voluntarily.

The service on all defective phones was discontinued on March 9 (although users could still call 911), and replacement phones of the same model, which has since been modified, were issued to users. Users will also receive a free month of basic phone service from Qwest Communications.

As a busy professional, chances are you can't just give up your cell phone. But these "inconclusive findings" probably make you wonder what you may find out about your cell phone in 10 years. The trick is to try and keep the antenna away from your head - that's where the microwaves are emitted. Try using a headset, using a "regular" phone when it's available, and just limit your use and length of phone calls when possible.