Texting may turn out to be a healthy development in the cell phone industry. While the US Food & Drug Administration feels there is not enough scientific evidence to indicate cell phone use is a danger, there have been concerns for years that the low level electromagnetic frequencies cell phones emit may have dangerous consequences. This is particularly a concern when exposure is cumulative over the years, and includes the thinner walls of a developing child’s skull.
We do know that ongoing exposure to high levels of electromagnetic frequencies (think power lines) can lead to health problems, notably brain tumors. So you see it’s not unreasonable to be concerned that lower levels might lead to similar problems over time. There is mounting evidence that these concerns are founded, but as of yet, nothing conclusive.
Fortunately for us, the Environmental Working Group is at it again. They’ve called attention to the possibility of cell phones emitting dangerous amounts of radiation through a study of 1,200 cell phones. As a result of the EWG’s study, the Senate Appropriations Health Sub-Committee has met to determine if further study or action is needed.
There are currently some limited controls in place. Part of the FCC’s certification includes a limit on a cell phone's SAR (specific absorption rate). This SAR measures the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body.
In the US and Canada a cell phone’s SAR level must be less than 1.6 watts per kilogram. In Europe, the level is 2W/kg. You can request the SAR information for your phone from the manufacturer or your carrier. You’ll need to give them the model number and FCC ID number, which is either in your owner's manual or under your phone's battery
Whether or not the levels emitted by cell phones are determined to be dangerous, it would be wise to limit your exposure. To minimize your exposure use hands free devices and minimize time on the phone. Choose cell phones with lower levels of radiation. Today’s trend toward texting instead of making calls may turn out to be a good thing if it reduces a person’s exposure to these frequencies!
You can see the list of EWG’s 10 best (lowest emissions) and the 10 worst here (link).
The resource I’ve used in the past when making cell phone purchase decisions is at CNET Reviews . They update their phone lists regularly. CNET explains:
“The SAR level listed in our charts represents the highest SAR level with the phone next to the ear as tested by the FCC. Keep in mind that it is possible for the SAR level to vary between different transmission bands and that different testing bodies can obtain different results.”
There will be more to come, I'm sure.
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