I’ve always been a little sceptical about the radiation scare stories surrounding mobile phones and masts.

I think in the early days of mobile technology, where the phones created so much control over being in touch while in the field, little was known of the long term effects – most of us were probably so blown away by the fact that we were living in Tomorrow’s World today that we either didn’t care or “turned a deaf ‘un”.

Even seeing a number of people of my age group – turning 40 for those who think the photo isn’t me! – some friends, some friends of friends, passing away suddenly from tumours in the brain, etc. or reading in the national press of the rise in infertility in males, didn’t really ring alarm bells with me.

I was recently emailed a weblink that showed a “Youtube” type of site where people were positioning mobile phones around some microwave popping corn, then ringing the mobiles. Shortly after the mobiles started ringing, the corn started popping! There were a few examples by different groups of people and judging by the reactions I would guess that some of the people didn’t know what to expect, but each time the phones made the corn pop. If you don’t believe me try this: http://fun.mivzakon.co.il/flash/20534/20534.html

While some might see the opportunity for a new form of survival technique (and we may yet see this on a future “I’m A Celebrity”) it did make me think about what that radiation is doing when my mobile starts ringing in my pocket!

No doubt the mobile phone operators will have something to say about this video doing the rounds, and I couldn’t be without my mobile nowadays – allowing me to keep in touch easily with my family when I’m away on business is a good example – but the thought of the long term effects are a bit worrying to say the least.

And yet the trend in our industry is on increasing use of mobile technology – fault code texts direct from ailing systems, remote system monitoring and control, etc.

I’ve used my mobile frequently on site to talk directly to a technical expert while looking at my manifold attached to the system or the settings on a PCB or simply for taking photo evidence and sending it straight to the manufacturer.

The problem is that a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing and sometimes ignorance really can be bliss… Needless to say I use my bluetooth hands free kit frequently now and I try to keep my mobile conversations brief!

Sometimes you’re better to be kept in the dark!