As CNET recently observed, "So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results." Little more is known about the radiation risks today than back at the turn of the century. Additional studies published in the past few years claim that cell phone use is safe. But the studies didn't examine the effects of long-term and frequent phoning. Most of us will be using our cell phones for decades. Many of us use them for hours every day.

The CNET comment comes from its recent roundup of US government data on cell phone radiation levels for dozens of phone models sold in the US. The lists are preceded by a brief explanation of what they mean. They are organized by manufacturer, so it's easy to check yours out. There are also separate lists of the ten phones with the highest and lowest radiation emissions.

CNET's compilation was called to my attention by the New York Times's fine health columnist, Tara Parker-Pope. Take a look also at her previous piece on cell phone radiation and cancer. She describes comments from 3 high-profile neurosurgeons who battle their patients' brain tumors every day. The neurosurgeons all use cell phones, of course. But they also note that they don't hold the phones next to their ears. 'Nuff said.