Sssshhhh! Ministries look at cell phone-free zones on public transit
Environmental Protection Minister Erdan warns that passengers not using cell phones are exposed both to noise and radiation that exceeds allowable levels.
By Zafrir RinatEnvironmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan last week asked Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz to establish a joint team to recommend ways to reduce the use of cell phones on buses and trains. Erdan warns that passengers not using cell phones are exposed both to noise and radiation that exceeds allowable levels.
"My ministry has been receiving complaints about noise from the use of cell phones by some passengers on public transportation for quite some time now. Moreover, there is also the concern of unreasonably and unjustifiably high levels of radiation," Erdan wrote.
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Cell phone |
| Photo by: AP |
Erdan based his statements on measurements by his ministry of radiation and noise emissions from cell phones. According to the data, when one fourth of the passengers in one train car or bus use their cell phones, all the passengers are exposed to a level of radiation higher than the allowable 0.8 watts per kilogram. Levels are higher in buses than in trains.
The metal casing of buses and trains makes it more difficult for the cell phone signal to broadcast and receive, and therefore it emits more radiation as it attempts to do so. When buses and trains pass through non-urban areas where antennae are less frequently placed, they also have to emit a stronger signal. Also, the radiation cannot easily escape the metal casing and dissipate.
As far as noise is concerned, the Environmental Protection Ministry has calculated that two people five meters apart talking on their cell phones for 16 minutes out of every 60 minutes is enough to expose the other passengers to unreasonable noise levels.
Erdan also said that unlike other public spaces, people on buses or trains cannot move elsewhere to avoid the noise and radiation. As cell phone usage continues to grow, it could become another reason people will avoid using public transportation, which is in the common interest of both ministries, Erdan wrote Katz.
Erdan proposed that experts from both ministries compile recommendations based on current practices in Western countries. Experts in the Environmental Protection Ministry say that in the United States, for example, one train car on a particular line is reserved in which cell phone use is prohibited.
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Exceeding exposure values of .8 Watts/kg implies emissions far more than 100 Watts per phone. Like sitting in a microwave. Hard to explain such a reading -- are people boarding buses with diesel generators now? That would account for the noise...
In Germany and The Netherlands as well, certain cars of each train are "quiet zones" in which (loud / phone) conversations are forbidden, and generally people avoid being there with small children as well. I think it's a great idea, however, it is not a solution for buses. Forbidding the usage of phones on buses (and trains) altogether will direct many people away from them. Personally, I work for 1.5 hours on the bus every day to work (like, right now); then I work 7 hours in the office, making up 8.5 total.
Another case of the needs of the few outweighing the needs of the many. Their study is based on 1 in 4 using cel phones. I have never been on public transportation where more than a few people are using a cellular. They should have 1 car on a train where you CAN use the phone so the rest of the people can sit in quiet. While they are at it, they should also allow 1 car on a train for smoking.
This legislation is far over due. It should be pushed quickly through the necessary channels and be implemented as soon as possible.