Opinions divided on cell phone study

Dr. Ronald Herberman's advisory regarding the potential health risks associated with cell phone usage doesn't seem to be changing many people's behavior.

Herberman, director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cancer Center , wrote an advisory memorandum to staff and faculty at the school recommending limiting exposure to a cell phone's electromagnetic radiation by using speakerphone options, headsets, text messaging and keeping the phone away from your body when not using it.

Annemarie Kronfuss, a real estate broker at Navarre Properties, said she has been hearing about this type of research for years but hasn't given a second thought to the advisory. She and her partner Tim Harrington don't think the research has any validity at this point but Kronfuss said, "If I had small children I wouldn't let them have a cell phone until more research is done."

"There is always something in the world to worry about and I just don't think talking on a cell phone for an hour will give you a brain tumor,"  Harrington added.

The advisory also recommends children only use cell phones for emergencies but many teenagers in Navarre disagree.

Stephanie Stevens is a sophomore at Navarre High school and said she talks on her cell phone for about five hours a day and spends the remainder of the day text messaging and taking pictures.

For more details on this story, see the Aug. 14 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe to our online edition.