There has been a long and as-yet unending debate in recent years as to the dangers of using mobile phones. Some researchers will vow that prolonged exposure can cause major health risks, while others will swear this is all bunkum. While the scientists have been arguing amongst themselves, real people have been dying, and its been proved that their cellphones were to blame.

Everyone has a mobile phone or cellphone today don’t they? Even I succumbed to the lure a few years ago after resisting the urge long after the rest of my family and friends got them. Something to do with not actually wanting to be available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. I’m now wondering if I should get rid of mine because apparently, they can be lethal.

According to The Times of London, a man has died after his mobile phone exploded in his pocket in Guangzhou, China. This is reported to be the ninth such incident in China since 2002. This does actually only equate to around one a year amongst a population totaling over a billion. But still, killed by exploding mobile phone is hardly something you’d want on your tombstone.

The twenty-something man was working at his job in a computer shop when the phone nestling in his pocket exploded. Shrapnel from the device severed a major artery in his neck leaving him lying in a pool of blood. It’s thought the man may have recently finished charging his phone.

It’s thought that the lithium batteries now used in mobile phones can explode if faulty or treated in an improper way. This would include being overcharged, exposed to excessive heat or sunlight, or charged with anything other than the official charger.

There is, of course, an obvious and much greater risk, and that is using a counterfeit product. Legitimate cellphone and battery manufacturers will at least ensure their products are up to scratch and unlikely to pose a risk to the public. makers of hooky gear, on the other hand, probably don’t really care.

As mentioned before, this is a very isolated incident and likely to be more because of counterfeiting than anything else. But still, it pays to be safe rather than sorry. So make sure to follow the guidelines that come with mobile phone, or indeed, any electronic device to ensure you’re doing all you can to prevent yourself becoming a victim.

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 5:05 am under Cell phones, Opinion, Technology.

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