What is SAR and why is it important?
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is a critical measure when it comes to electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices, including smartphones. This parameter represents the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the human body when exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by these devices. SAR is usually measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). It is used to assess the potential health risk associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Smartphones, as an integral part of our daily lives, transmit information through radio frequency electromagnetic waves. When we hold a phone close to our body or put it to our ear during a call, our body absorbs some of this energy. SAR measures energy absorption and is an indicator to assess the potential impact of electromagnetic radiation on our health. In general, a lower SAR value indicates that the device emits less electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the body during use, so it is considered safer.
Standards for smartphone radiation
The amount of energy absorbed depends on the SAR value of the device and the duration of exposure. There are strict regulations introduced to limit the SAR of electronic devices and protect the public from any risks. The European Union and the United States have established regulations to limit public exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices. In Europe, the maximum limit for SAR is 2 watts per kilogram. This limit is assessed both when the device is held close to the body, such as in a pocket, and when it is near the ear during a call. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states that a phone is considered "safe" if its SAR value does not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram. This assessment considers one gram of fabric between the device and the body, unlike European standards that use 10 grams of fabric.
SAR emissions of major manufacturers
One of the most recent controversies concerns Apple's iPhone 12, which has been banned from sale in France because of allegedly exceeding radiation exposure limits. Despite some data showing lower SAR values for this device, the French National Frequency Agency (Anfr) says that the iPhone 12's SAR value exceeds the allowed limit. The hypothetical value established is more than 1.74 watts per kilogram. This discrepancy raises important questions about the accuracy of the tests and the need for further scientific research to clearly establish the devices' emission levels. To help consumers make informed decisions, Germany's Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, BfS) keeps track of the SAR values of all cell phones available on the market. The online portal for consultation is available here.
Some of the devices with higher SAR values include the Motorola Edge (1.79 W/kg), the OnePlus 6T (1.55 W/kg) and the Sony Xperia XA2 Plus (1.41 W/kg). These values are taken from the BfS database and are those referring to the near-ear measurement. In Apple's case, the data show that the iPhone 12 has a SAR value of 0.98 W/kg, while earlier models such as the iPhone 11 record even lower values (0.95 W/kg). However, it is unclear why, according to Anfr's findings, the iPhone 12 would exceed the allowable limit. Turning to the Android world and its most influential exponent, Samsung, many lesser-known models record extremely low SAR values. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ has a value of only 0.19 W/kg, while flagship models such as the S23 record values of 0.96 W/kg. However, some models such as the S22 record a value of 1.21 W/kg near the ear.
Potential health impacts of smartphone radiation
Although these devices emit electromagnetic radiation, there is currently no direct scientific evidence linking exposure to smartphone radiation to health problems. However, the growing concern about this topic underscores the importance of being informed and aware of the potential implications. A major concern related to electromagnetic radiation emitted by smartphones is its impact on health. In fact, some research has suggested possible adverse effects. The World Health Organization has called electromagnetic radiation "possibly carcinogenic to humans." This has raised public awareness of the issue, prompting many to seek out devices with lower SAR values.
Most studies conducted on humans exclude the possibility of significant health consequences related to cell phone use. In some cases, increased cases of gliomas (malignant tumors) and auditory nerve neurinomas (benign tumors) have been observed, but such tumors are still considered rare. Moreover, these findings concern people already suffering from these diseases, so they may not be related to cell phone use. Recent studies show that there has been no significant observation of the increase of these tumors in the general population in recent decades.
Effects on the human body
Electromagnetic fields can interact with biological tissues in the human body. This interaction is most intense when one is near the source of these electromagnetic fields and varies according to their frequency. The main effect of electromagnetic fields (especially radiofrequency fields) on our bodies is heating. But the levels to which we are normally exposed, such as when we watch television or use computers, are much lower than those needed to cause a significant increase in body temperature. This slight increase in temperature is mainly absorbed by the skin and surface tissues. Experts, however, advise taking some simple precautions, such as avoiding holding a cell phone in direct contact with the ear. In the case of use for long periods, it is therefore preferable to use earphones. Also, it is advisable to keep the device in a bag or jacket instead of in a pocket.
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