Updated: Wed Jan. 28 2009 18:10:36

ctvwinnipeg.ca

In an emergency a cell phone can help get you out of a dangerous situation, but could cell phones themselves be dangerous?

A recent recall of 13,000 cell phones in Manitoba because they didn't meet standards begs the question, just what are those standards, and how did all those phones make it out there in the first place.

There have been many studies done on the safety and radiation risks associated with cell phones, but the findings of those studies are not conclusive.

LG-150 model phones have been voluntarily recalled after the problem was caught by a regulator.

"The LG-150 mobile phone is no longer certified as meeting the radio standards specifications," says Greg Burch from MTS Allstream.

What that means is the phones are emitting more radiation than Canadian guidelines allow.

That's a concern to University of Winnipeg researcher and Environmental Studies professor Michael Mehta.

"There is evidence to suggest exposure to thermal and non-thermal effects has cellular and metabolic impacts, which may be linked to particular kinds of cancer," says Mehta.

Until all the risks are known Mehta suggests limiting your exposure to cell phones.

He would also like companies to label how much radiation each phone emits.

"We can then make an informed risk based decision on how much exposure we want to be facing," he adds.

The Cellular Telecommunications Association says the overwhelming majority of studies show wireless phones do not pose a health risk.

Still, it may make you think twice before making that extra long call on your cell phone.

With a report from CTV's Jon Hendricks