We wrote about the radiation problems with DECT cordless phones last year.  This wireless technology is now the main one being used on most cordless phones in the US. 5.8Ghz cordless phones have faded away. There are issues with these DECT cordless phones constantly transmitting even when not in use. It is especially concerning if you put a cordless handset next to your bed. Always err on the cautious side.

Siemens eco dect line is a popular line of cordless phones. The Siemens Gigaset SL785 DECT cordless phone was the first Eco DECT Mode Plus cordless phone to address the issues. The following Siemens DECT Cordless phones are similar:  Siemens A580IP and Siemens S795

What to look for in a cordless phone

• Reduce the transmitting power of the Siemens Gigaset ECO Mode Plus Phone’s base station by 80% simply by selecting the ECO DECT Mode.

• Energy saving ECO Mode Plus for 100% reduction of transmitting power when the handset is idle or charging.
• “The international limits for radio wave transmission ensure that there are no risks. Our products fall well below these recommended limits. Even though there is still no scientific evidence that radio waves emitted by DECT phones are harmful, SHC’s approach is to equip all its Gigaset phones with functions that enable the automatic or manual reduction of transmitting power.”

• The energy-saving power supply of the Gigaset ECO Mode Plus Phone’s uses up to 60% less energy.

See how much radiation is coming from a DECT cordless phone.

Siemens now has a family of ECO Mode Plus DECT cordless phones, so be sure to check these out when shopping for a new cordless phone.  While they still radiate while being use, these eco dect phones are far better than plain DECT cordless phones. Some are available inside the US.

Panasonic DECT Cordless Phones

Some Panasonic DECT Cordless phones feature an Intelligent Eco Mode that automatically lowers the power consumption when you are using the handset close to the base unit or while the phone is not in use.  This is better at reducing radiation, but not great. We recently tested one that has a ECO indicator on the handset. This light remained on while handsets sat in their cradle.

Other cordless phone manufacturers do not even mention these radiation issues.  When in doubt, use a corded telephone.

Note that DECT Baby Monitors have the same radiation issues.

San Francisco is rolling out new Automated Water Meters that use a radio signal to collect water consumption data and transmit them from customers to the their billing system without the need for physical field visits and manual meter reading.  These wireless water meters are being rolled out in other cities nationwide.

The upside is that customers can monitor water use and detect leaks faster than possible with the existing manually-read water meters. Imagine getting an email when your water usage is double normal.  No shocking bills!

Another wireless source! More radiation? They have addressed that area at least. Here is how they describe the system:

“The meter readings are sent through the automated network using a private RF channel from the meter box to the data collectors, and using a cellular data network from the data collectors to the AMI computer.  The signals used to transmit data from Automated Water Meters are much weaker than those from many everyday devices, such as garage openers and remote controls. In addition to being very low power, Automated Water Meters transmit radio signals only once every 6 hours, with each transmission lasting less than one-tenth of a second.

The SFPUC has partnered with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to complete an evaluation of RF transmission levels associated with the Automated Water Meter System.  This evaluation confirms that the signals used in Automated Water Meter technology are well below government limits with respect to RF exposure levels. ”

Accuracy issues?  They claim that the manufacturer has tested them to industry standards and that San Francisco with also randomly test 10% of units. 5% of automated meters after installation will also be audited for accuracy.

We covered the problems with DECT cordless phones last year.  This technology is now the main one being used on most cordless phones and is now being used for Baby Monitors. It is especially concerning because a baby monitor is almost constantly transmitting. Another concern is that you place the baby monitors next to your bed and your baby’s crib. This issue is getting press in the UK, not in the United States.

See how much radiation is coming from a DECT phone:

How much constantly emitted radiation is safe?  Let the experts debate it, we do not even want to worry about it.

We suggest avoid DECT baby monitors and stick to the old style 900Mhz baby monitors. Turn the baby monitor OFF when you absolutely do not need it.  Station the monitors at least 10 feet from both beds.

Think twice about deploying your own WiFi network, which will add to the radiation. At least turn it off when you are sleeping.