Mobile & Health
Today, mobile phones are used every day by thousands of millions of people all over the world. When they operate, these mobile phones emit low level radio-frequency (RF) waves, and it is quite understandable that the public should wonder if these devices can cause any adverse health effects.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the standards defining exposure of the public by radio-frequencies emitted by mobile phones refer to a measuring unit, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR measures and expresses the quantity of radio-frequency wave energy absorbed by the human body during the use of a mobile phone.
International organisations have, on the basis of scientific studies, prepared detailed recommendations concerning the maximum SAR values of mobile phones. These SAR limits will subsequently be ratified by the public health authorities of the various states.
It should be emphasised that these maximum exposure values take into account the safety of all population categories and integrate large safety margins.
Proof of compliance with international standards (ICNIRP) or with European Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE) is required of all mobile phone models before they can be put on the market. The protection of the health and safety for the user and any other person is an essential requirement of these standards or this directive.
THIS MOBILE PHONE COMPLIES WITH INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN REQUIREMENTS REGARDING EXPOSURE TO RADIO WAVES.
Your mobile phone is a radio transmitter/receiver. It was designed and manufactured to comply with the radiofrequency (RF) exposure thresholds recommended by international requirements (ICNIRP) (1) and by the Council of the European Union (Recommendation 1999/519/EC) (2).
These limits are part of a set of requirements and establish authorised radiofrequency levels for the public. These limits were established by independent groups of experts on the basis of regular and detailed scientific assessments. They include a significant safety margin intended to ensure the safety of all, regardless of age or state of health.
The exposure standard for mobile phones is determined by a measurement unit known as the Specific Absorption Rate or 'SAR'. The SAR limit is set by international requirements or by the Council of the European Union at 2 watts/kilogram (W/kg) averaged over 10 grams of body tissue. The tests used to determine SAR levels were carried out on the basis of standard usage modes with the phones transmitting at their maximum power level over the entire range of frequency bands.
Although the SAR was established at the highest certified level, the actual SAR level for the mobile phone during use is generally much lower than the maximum values. In fact, since mobile phones are designed to operate at many different power levels, they only use the minimum level of power required to provide a connection to the network. In theory, the closer you are to a base station antenna, the lower the power level required by the mobile phone.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers that present scientific information does not indicate the need for any special precautions for use of mobile phones. If individuals are concerned, they might choose to limit their own or their children's RF exposure by limiting the length of calls, or using 'hands-free' devices to keep mobile phones away from the head and body (fact sheet number 193).
Additional information about electromagnetic fields and public health are available on the following site: http://www.who.int/peh-emf.
Your telephone is equipped with a built-in antenna. For optimal operation, you should avoid touching it or degrading it.
(1) The ICNIRP requirements are applicable in the following regions: Central America (except Mexico), South America, North and South Africa, Pacific Asia (except Korea), Australia.
(2) The European recommendation (1999/519/EC) is applicable in the following regions: Europe, Israel.