Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigating health risk from wireless communication device (WCD) usage wherein a WCD having a source of radiation generating excitatory radiation toward brain tissue and an earphone electrically connected to the WCD via a transceiver and a cord of sufficient length to permit the WCD to be located more than ten inches from brain tissue during operation of the WCD. An automatic shutoff mechanism preventing operation of the WCD unless the cord is extended at least ten inches whereby the excitatory radiation is at a sufficient distance from the brain tissue to prevent brain tissue damage from the excitatory radiation.