Jabra Responds to Study Revealing Cell Phones as Possible Carcinogenics

NASHUA, N.H., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO)/Interactional Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released last week has revealed another potential health risk for consumers. The report details that radiation transmitted by cell phones is potentially carcinogenic, based on an increased risk for a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use. What most people don't realize is that there is solution to dramatically lower the exposure – using hands-free devices!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110608/NE16172 )

Just as people aren't going to stay indoors because they are afraid of sun damage, they won't stop using cell phones due to fear of radiation. With over 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide, cell phones have become a part of our daily routine for communicating with others and are here to stay.  Using a hands-free device can reduce the exposure to radiation by a factor of eight hundred, drastically lowering the exposure from max 2 watts from cell phones to 0.0025 watts max output for Bluetooth™ hands-free devices and zero watts for corded devices.

New survey results, sponsored by Jabra, a world leader in innovative hands-free solutions, show that despite the potential risk, people are not concerned with radiation in their daily lives. Twenty five percent of survey respondents said that radiation doesn't concern them at all and sixty one percent said that it concerns them a little bit or to some extent.  However, when informed that it is a scientific fact that using a Bluetooth (wireless) headset actually reduces exposure to phone radiation, 53% said they would use a hands-free device.

"People are concerned about radiation from their cell phones but they don't care enough to stop using them and aren't aware that being hands-free lowers the exposure," said Anne Raaen Rasmussen, Senior Vice President of the Mobile division at Jabra. "We are here to inform them that Jabra offers many hands-free devices that provide a solution for concerned consumers who want to lower their own or their children's exposure to cell phone radiation."

A press release issued by the IARC recommended reducing exposure through the use of headsets stating, "Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings, it is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands-free devices or texting." (Source: http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf)

To learn more about the hands-free solutions that Jabra offers, visit Jabra.com.

Survey Methodology

The results of the survey, underwritten by Jabra and conducted by Lindberg International, are based on responses from an online survey of 2,518 consumers between the ages of 18 and 55 with respondents in five countries - the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan.  Respondents were asked about their awareness surrounding the concerns and reactions to radiation and cell phone usage and knowledge of the effects of using a hands-free device.  The survey was conducted in April 2011.  The margin of error is +/- 1.95%.

About GN Netcom

Through its Jabra brand, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With around 850 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops and markets a broad range of wireless headsets and in-car speakerphones for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact center and office-based users. GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S. More information on www.Jabra.com

© 2011 GN Netcom A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Netcom A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners. (Design and specifications subject to change without notice)

SOURCE GN Netcom