How many of you don't have a mobile phone? There won't be many, as it is estimated that there are over 5 billion cell phones in use worldwide. While most of us embrace these mini miracles, and many of us can't live without them, there are a growing number who believe they are detrimental to our health.

Since their inception over 30 years ago, there have been concerns about whether spending hours on a cell phone could actually damage our brains. As these little technological nuggets rely on radio waves to do their job, many believe these rays have the effect of a Microwave oven, in short frying our brains. While much research has been done in this area, there is still no proven link between mobile phone usage and brain damage, tumors or cancer.

The radiation that is emitted from all cell phones is actually electromagnetic radiation. The emissions are very small and are present due to the use of radio waves. Although they are believed to be safe to use, it makes sense not to use you it for hours at a time. Even small doses of radiation build up over time,and the old adage "better safe than sorry" seems appropriate in these circumstances.

So even though there is no medical evidence to mobile phones causing us damage, they have played their part in many accidents. Many road traffic accidents are still, sadly, the result of the driver using his mobile phone and being distracted. Driving any vehicle on todays congested highways requires total concentration at all times. Talking or sending sms massages on your phone greatly lowers your concentration level, and many fatalities have arisen from this misuse. The law takes these violations very seriously, and many drivers are now prosecuted for negligence, just as one would be if they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The message is out there that if you choose to use it while driving, you should be prepared to accept the consequences as this is no longer the minor misdemeanor that it once was.

There are thousands of accidents every year that don't involve driving, but do involve mobile phones. Many users, who were one minute chatting happily away while walking down a busy street, find themselves in the A and E department with painful injuries. The cell phone is not to blame, but the lack of concentration as to where they were walking, and their diminished spacial awareness, is. Fractures, sprains and concussions are just some of the traumas caused by tripping or falling while using it. This has the knock on effect of costing industry billions of dollars a year in sick pay and health insurance. Permanent disability can result from this kind of accident, all for the sake of a phone call.

Mobile phones have a permanent place in our society, and are here to stay. Undoubtedly, they have saved lives due the emergency services being called quickly, and therefore responding rapidly. Use yours responsibly and think before you take that call, or reply to that text. No call is so important that it's worth risking your life for, and a text can wait. Use your cell phone safely and sensibly, it could possibly save your life one day, it shouldn't be responsible for your demise.