The way that cell phones are measured for is by the specific absorption rate (SAR). This (SAR) number is a measure of the RF radiation that your brain absorbs. The permissible high end for radiation allowed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is 1.6 W/kg of RF radiation. Phones usually test between 0 and 1.6 W/kg. Knowing that the FCC limit is 1.6 W/kg and that some low-radiation phones have SARs lower that 0.3 W/kg, check out in the video below where your phone stands in regards to its RF radiation emission.
Here's what you can do to limit your radiation exposure:
- Purchase a cell phone with a low SAR rating.
- Reduce the amount of time that you spend on the cell phone
- Use a “land line” when you can especially for very lengthy calls and very frequent calls, just as a precaution.
- Use the speaker phone setting on a cell phone to greatly reduce the RF radiation exposure because the phone’s antenna will not be directly next to your head (and brain).
- Using text messaging is also a good way to reduce RF exposure to your head.
- Keeping a cell phone on in your pants pocket all day is not recommended.
Photo: Getty