Pong Cases Investigated by Environmental Health Trust

First EHT Test of Protective Device Confirms Signal Redirection

Environmental Health Trust Chairman (EHT) of the Board Ronald B. Herberman and President Devra Davis recently visited the Pong Research program in Virginia to investigate whether their pong cases provide any reduction in microwave radiation from cellphones.  While there is there is no federally developed national standard for safe levels of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy, also known as microwave radiation, various devices have been promoted claiming to reduce exposures.  Many national authorities have advised taking measures to make such reductions, which typically include keeping distance between the phone and the body and reducing use of phones by young children.

EHT questioned whether any case could reduce exposure without also compromising call quality.  So, senior EHT members traveled to Middleburg, Virginia, home of Pong Research to examine their testing system.  In reviewing tests of phones with and without cases at Pong Research’s facility in Middleburg, Virginia, the EHT team found that Pong cases did provide significant reductions in the amount of cellphone-linked microwave radiation that can be absorbed into the body.  Independent evaluation of the cases by the University of Porto Allegre in Brazil, Program in Electrical Engineering confirmed a substantial redirection in signal, according to EHT Scientific  Advisor, Professor Alvaro de Salles.

Chairman Herberman noted, “It is quite exciting that Pong Research has developed an innovative approach to substantially reduce radiofrequency emissions into the body, by putting re-directional antennas into cases for Blackberry cellphones and smartphones and for Apple iPhones and iPads.  This commercially available technology fits extremely well with the Environmental Health Trust’s efforts to promote simple steps to reduce exposure to potential health threats due to radiofrequency absorption into the body.”

No government agency sets standards for cellphone protective cases or headsets.  Cases made of or decorated with metal can magnify exposures.  While using headsets does substantially reduce radiation to the head, if phones are kept in the pockets unshielded, this leads to an increase in overall exposure.  Using a pong case therefore provides protection to those using such devices.

EHT President, Davis added, “Much to our surprise,  the Pong cases that we examined showed reductions of microwave radiation of between 70 to 90% when measured with a certified computer-simulated system.  Because exposure is redirected, this means that the backs of phones should not be held close to the heads or bodies of any bystanders.”

EHT notes that there are no federal agencies currently charged with evaluating the growing number of protective devices that are being marketed for cellphones today.  “It should not be the job of EHT to determine whether alleged protective devices work,” Davis added.  “There is a need for standardization of testing of phones and devices that mimic real world use, as well as for improved information to the public about how to practice safe phone.  The private sector is poised to profit from developing methods and devices that ensure safer, more secure and reliable cellphones.  Absent an independent program to evaluate such devices, EHT is pleased to provide this service in the meantime.”

EHT received no compensation for making these evaluations, and conducted them  in the public interest.  

For more information on these and other matters, please see the following link: http://www.saferphonezone.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DoctorsAdvice_Nov28_4Print_Draft1.pdf

About Environmental Health Trust
Environmental Health Trust (EHT) conducts scientific research on controllable environmental health risks and works with individuals, public and private institutions about policy changes needed to reduce those risks. Current multi-media projects include: local and national campaigns to ban smoking and asbestos; working with international physician and worker safety groups to warn about the risks of inappropriate use of diagnostic radiation and cell phones, promoting research and awareness of environmental causes of breast cancer, and building environmental wellness programs in Wyoming and Pennsylvania to address the environmental impacts of energy development, the built environment and radon. EHT was created with the goal of promoting health and preventing disease one person, one community and one nation at a time. Capitalizing on growing public interest in Dr. Devra Lee Davis’s three popular books, When Smoke Ran Like Water, a National Book Award Finalist, The Secret History of the War on Cancer, and Disconnect--The Truth about Cell Phone Radiation, What Industry Has Done to Hide It and How to Protect Your Family, as well as documentary films, the foundation’s website offers clear, science-based information for the general public, children, and health professionals. EHT is working with exciting, young filmmaker, Kevin Kunze, who is devising a major documentary project on Disconnect.--a film about cellphones and cancer.   For more information about getting involved in the film and other of  EHT’s numerous special projects, please log on to www.ehtrust.org.

Media contact:

Janet Vasquez

212-825-3210
Media@ehtrust.org

Environmental Health Trust

www.saferphonezone.com

www.ehtrust.org

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