Facts about Cell Phones

There is no question about it. The cell phone has completely changed the way that the world lives. From America to Africa, there isn’t a continent that hasn’t been affected by this technology. The sweeping popularity of the cell phone is unprecedented in World History.

• It is estimated that 250-300 million cell phones are currently being used in the U.S.
• There is one cell phone for every two people in the world, which is a grand total of about 3.3 billion cell phones that are actively in use.
• There are more than 30 African nations that have more cell phones than land mines.
• More than 1,000 cell phones are activated each minute.
• The average American cell phone owner has 3 outdated, unused cell phones in his possession.
• Most Americans only use their cell phone for 12 to 18 months before replacing it with a new model.
• According to recent information from the FDA cell phones do not pose a health hazard. They do emit low levels of radiofrequency (RF) energy, but there has been no proof that the level of RF produced, causes any health issues. One can reduce any perceived risk by using a hands free device, which significantly reduces the small amount of RF energy that a cell phone user is exposed to.
• A study by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research showed that 83% of people believe that cell phones make their lives easier. The cell phone even beat out the Internet in this survey.
• Technology has come a long way in just a few short decades. Evidence of this can be seen in the fact that an iPhone has more processing power than the North American Air Defense Command did in 1965.
• Cell phones can help authorities find an owner’s location if he is ever lost or injured. Of course, calling 911 is always best, if possible, but if one is unable to send out a call, his location can be tracked based on the towers that his cell phone is pinging. A cell phone does have to be turned on in order to ping towers, so if one is trying to conserve battery, one should make sure that it is turned on now and then so that there will be a record of the towers that his cell phone has been pinging. It does not give an exact location, but if a person is missing, searchers will have a basic area to cover based on that person’s cell phone’s signals. This is why, if one is able to call 911 and give a specific location, that is the best way to get help. But cell phones are important to have nearby in case of any emergency.
• Cell phones can be recycled. There are many great non-profit groups who are willing to take old cell phones and refurbish them for needy people such as military men and women who are stationed overseas. Not only is this a great way to be eco-friendly, but it also provides the heroes of this country with a way to stay in touch with their family while overseas. Unfortunately, only 2.3% of Americans recycle their old cell phones and 7% throw them away. This is because over 70% of Americans are not aware that cell phones can be recycled.

No matter how you look at it, the cell phone is one of the greatest inventions of all time. There is no question about it, the cell phone is no longer a novelty, but is now a necessity for today’s fast-paced life.