When the first headlines once again began peppering websites and newsstands, the nation let out a collective sigh. Just as we have finally recovered from our initial cell phone radiation fears, a new study has once again fueled the fire and effectively foiled our sense of security.

Now, more than a week after headlines announcing the news that cell phones may lead to cancer, we are starting to hear more details, more opinions and perhaps even slightly less panic is beginning to fill the airwaves. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has essentially placed cell phones in the same category as lead, engine exhaust and other “carcinogenic hazards,” (coffee is included in this group too apparently), the damage the average cell phone user can expect throughout a lifetime still remains unknown.

So is this a classic case of media hype or should we be worried about our safety as well as the health of our families? Well, it seems most experts are in agreement that it’s not time to panic and resort back to the old landline phones just yet. But this doesn’t mean we should neglect the warning altogether.

The statement released by a group of WHO scientists was based on a collection of many different studies that concluded there is in fact, a certain amount of radiation associated with cell phones. While all radiation is obviously not equal in terms of the damage it can cause the body, the type of radiation caused by cell phones is said to be similar to that of a microwave oven. The waves released are known as non-ionizing and while many see these as less troublesome types of radiation, others draw on the similarities between what happens to micro waved food and what that means for the brain. The idea of the microwave cooking our meals makes some leery of how it might be “cooking” our brains.

In fact, some specialists believe that this type of radioactivity can lead to cognitive and memory difficulties while the wireless industry continues to voice the opinion that cell phones are in fact as safe as ever.

While this information is a bit worrisome, like most things, brain cancer doesn’t simply develop overnight. If you were to talk non-stop for weeks on your cell phone, perhaps there would be a bit more cause for concern. However, the effects cell phones have on children are still being researched. The idea that their skulls are not as fully developed and hardened as adults may mean that they are more likely to absorb this radiation into the brain.

While the WHO statement does not say for certain that cell phones result in cancer, it is a clear warning for our cellular-device-totting society that we may want to give this some thought. In fact, many cell phone manufacturers do recommend keeping the phone at least 15 millimeters from the body while talking.

In the coming months it’s fair to assume we will see more conclusive evidence one way or another. It seems unlikely that this news will be enough to get anyone to drop their cell phone habit but it serves as a reminder that perhaps we should use a hands free device or even speakerphone more frequently. It’s certainly not time to panic yet, but it’s certainly time to start paying attention to the follow up studies.

Guest Post By Emily Murray

Emily Murray is a regular writer for KwikMed, the company which has been appointed by Watson Pharmaceuticals as the exclusive online distributor of the newest morning after pill called ella.