Do cell phones emit radiation when they are on but not being used to text or talk?
When the phone is on and not in use, it does send out an intermittent radiation signal to check on what towers are in the vicinity – that’s how we can tell how good the reception is, by looking at the number of “signal bars” on the cell phone screen. This level of signal is lower than the level of radiation used for actual conversation, but it is a signal nevertheless. EWG recommends avoiding keeping a cell phone on the body – a handbag is probably a better place for a cell phone in the “on” position than a pocket.
