FAQ

1. Is there a definite conclusion to the question of whether or not cell phones cause cancer?

We know that cell phones emit radio frequency energy, which is non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that can be absorbed by tissue close to where the cell phone is held. Some studies have demonstrated a slight increase in the risk of certain brain tumors, from aggressive brain cancers to benign non-cancerous brain tumors like meningioma or acoustic neuromas. Other studies, however, have not demonstrated any risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO)/Interactional Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields “as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.”

Any theoretical risk of tumors developing from cell phone use would be related to issues like: the type of phone, the distance from the phone antenna to the user (i.e. using a speaker phone and holding the phone away from the body decreases radiation exposure), the frequency and duration of phone use, and the age and health of the user. 

2. What is SAR and how do I determine the SAR of my cell phone?

SAR is the commonly used abbreviation for Specific Absorption Rate, a measure of the rate at which energyis absorbedby the body when exposed to a radio frequency(RF) electromagnetic field. It is defined as the powerabsorbed per massof tissueand has units of wattsper kilogram(W/kg). SAR is usually averaged either over the whole body, or over a small sample volume (typically 1 g or 10 g of tissue). The value cited is then the maximum level measured in the body part studied over the stated volume or mass.

tawkon uses universally accepted international SAR standards to determine when to alert you about radiation exposure.

The FCC maintains a SAR database; to check on your device, you'll need its FCC ID number. This number is usually on the case of the cell phone, although you might have to remove the battery pack to find it. Once you have the number, go to the FCC web siteand follow the instructions. Most manufacturers also include SAR information in their product manuals and Web sites. Other sites, like CNET(updated weekly), also provide access to the cell phone SAR levels.

3. What studies are underway to help further our understanding of the health effects of cell phone use?

4. What is the Precautionary Principle?

The Precautionary Principle is a collection of tips to reduce radiation exposure from cellular phones:

1. Use cell phones that emit lower radiation (low SAR)
2. Limit the duration and proximity of exposure to cell phone
3. Use a headset, Bluetooth earpiece, or speakerphone
4. Find alternatives to cell phone use, such as text messaging or using a landline
5. Limit use of cell phone while it is searching for signal (cell phones emit higher levels of radiation at these times)
6. Carry your cell phone at least an inch away from your body or regularly rotate it around the body
7. Do not sleep next to your cell phone while it is on
8. Avoid work areas that use wireless networks and wireless phones if possible
9. Limit use of cell phone by young children

5. Are children at higher risk than adults of developing cancer due to cell phone use?

In theory, children have the potential to be at greater risk than adults for developing brain cancer from cell phones. Their bones and tissue are still developing and are therefore more vulnerable to factors that may cause cancer. Additionally, their heads are smaller than those of adults and therefore have greater proportional exposure to the field of radiofrequency radiation that is emitted by cell phones. And, of course, children have the potential to be exposed to cell phone radiation for many more years than adults do.

1. How does tawkon protect me from cell phone radiation?

tawkon is a tool that helps reduce your exposure to high cell phone radiation. When you talk using the speaker or a headset, you decrease radiation exposure from your phone. But when you talk with the phone close to your head or body, sometimes you’ll be exposed to much higher levels, depending on factors like network condition/coverage and your handling of the phone. During the times when you are exposed to “high exposure” minutes, tawkon alerts you and makes suggestions of appropriate actions to take to reduce these “high exposure” minutes.

2. How can I make sure my kids are protecting themselves from radiation exposure?

As a parent, your personal tawkon dashboard gives you full access to charts and statistics of your kids’ talk time and exposure to radiation. All you have to do is invite them to download tawkon via the “Family” tab.

3. How can I decrease my cell phone radiation exposure? And really…how big of a difference can tawkon actually make?

tawkon enables you to talk the same as you always have. When we alert you, simply look at the screen and follow our easy to implement suggestions and avoid “high exposure” minutes. Our suggestions include things like switching to a hands-free device and distancing the phone from your body.

A single minute at high exposure levels is like 5 hours at lower levels. So paying attention to tawkon warnings even a few times can make represent a substantial decrease.

As found in a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO)/Interactional Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): “Using a hands-free device can reduce the exposure to radiation by a factor of 800, drastically lowering the exposure from max 2 watts from cell phones to 0.0025 watts max output for hands-free devices.”

4. Is there a way to turn tawkon “off” without uninstalling it?

Currently, there is no way to turn tawkon “off” without installing it; however, the alert settings are customizable to suit your needs. You can choose to receive an audio alert, a vibrating alert, both…or none. 

5. Is there way to tell if my potential radiation exposure is low before I make a call?

Definitely. tawkon lets you know before you make or receive a call whether it will trigger high radiation exposure. tawkon will also tell you which precautions to take before the call in order to reduce your exposure. 

6. Do phone radiation levels change during the call?

Yes, the phone’s radiation is constantly changing during a call, and even when in stand-by mode. Radiation output is dependent on many factors including network conditions and phone usage 

7. Will tawkon drain my battery by constantly checking the radiation levels?

Absolutely not. tawkon runs only during a call. Since the two main components that drain battery power are the phone’s display and transmitter (modem), if you talk wisely and act according to takwon’s suggestions, you should actually be able to extend your talk/standby time.

8. What's the difference between the report I see on the main tawkon screen and the one I receive by email?

The weekly report – sent via email – is more comprehensive and delivers useful usage tips in addition to the basic information you see in the application dashboard. 

9. If I always use a headset when making a call with my cell phone, is there any reason to use tawkon?

Of course! Your Bluetooth device maybe not be charged, your earphones may not always be nearby or your phone could be sometimes in your pocket. Knowing that tawkon will always guide you to lower levels of radiation exposure, allows you to continue talking, even in those scenarios. 

10. If tawkon doesn’t alert me, does it mean I'm 100% safe and no radiation is reaching me?

Unless you move the phone completely away from your body, you will be exposed to some level of radiation. In such cases, it could be negligible compared to radiation amounts when tawkon sends an alert. Keep in mind that one minute of high radiation exposure equals five hours or more of low exposure. Our goal is to help you reduce or eliminate those high exposure minutes.

11. Which permissions does the app use and what for?

1. Directly Call Phone Numbers - Pre-call warning feature

2. Coarse (Network-Based) Location - Location warning feature

3. Fine (GPS) Location - Location warning feature

4. Change Your Audio Settings - Monitor speaker & headset usage
5. Full Internet Access - Share with friends & family
6. Create Bluetooth Connections - Monitor bluetooth usage
7. Read Contact Data - Share with friends & family
8. Read Phone State And Identity - Provide warnings during a call
9. Intercept Outgoing Calls - Pre-call warning feature
10. Prevent Phone From Sleeping - Being active during a call
11. Disable Key Lock - Warning feature
12. Discover Known Accounts - Share with friends & family
13. Control Vibrator - Warning feature
14. Receive Data From Internet - Share with friends & family
15. View Network State - Share with friends & family
16. Send Sticky Broadcast - Warning feature
17. Automatically Started Boot - Run during a call after device reboot
18. Power Phone On Or Off - Warning feature