As cell phones become progressively more powerful by including faster Internet functions and other features, radiation levels are increasing, pushing the debate on cell phone safety into the mainstream. Both Time and GQ recently ran articles on the hazards of using these must-have items, and according to Britain’s Times, last year, because of health risks, they were banned in French primary schools.
To help health-conscious shoppers, Time published a cell phone report card on top sellers where you can find out exactly how much radiation is emitted from different models. That said, no matter which model you choose, radiation comes with the package.
So, with cell phone usage rapidly increasing (4 billion people will use cell phones this year), concerned consumers are turning to Pong, an innovative case made to protect cell phone users from radiation. Once the cell phone is placed into the Pong casing, radiation is redirected away from the user, and instead of being absorbed into the head, the radiation dissipates into the air. “We’ve created the first solution to the problem,” says Albert Liu, a representative for the company. “Pong helps people take positive action to protect their environmental health.”
For those who think they’re protected by headsets, consider this: the radiation is still being emitted from your phone, and the phone is most likely in your pocket. According to Liu, Bluetooth pieces are particularly worrisome, as they have their own antenna, which is inserted into your ear, bringing the radiation even closer to your brain.
Aptly named to “pong” back all of the pings of radiation coming off your cell phone, the Pong silicon case will protect you from 60% of overall cell phone radiation. For skeptics who feel the case they bought at the cart in the mall will do just fine, listen up! Pong is currently the only cell phone case on the market approved by the FCC to reduce radiation while maintaining full signal strength.
The makers of Pong hope phone companies will one day include this technology in the phone itself, but until then, you can purchase a case on their website. More models are on the way, but for now Pong is made solely for top-selling smartphones, so pick one up for your iPhone ($59.99) or Blackberry ($49.99).
Purchase one by April 30th to receive free shipping. And, if that isn’t tempting enough, Tonic readers will receive an extra $10 off by using the promotional code “HGIMT” at checkout.
Photos courtesy of Pong.