Congress held its first hearing to explore potential health problems linked to cell phone use Thursday.

Though the effects of using cell phones may not be fully understood for 15 to 35 years from now, there is speculation among researchers and scientists that the devices can cause cancer due to electromagnetic radiation, which manufacturers confirm cell phones give off. Enough exposure to the radiation can cause cancer, according to experts.

Though there is no conclusive evidence about cell phones causing cancer, experts at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute recommend residents take precautions to protect themselves when using cell phones.

Some of these recommendations include using speaker phone and hands free devices whenever possible, limiting children?s usage of the phones to emergencies only, making shorter phone calls and trying to switch ears during longer conversations.