SAR and phone radiation index. SAR is an important indicator of the harm of phones
The harm from using mobile phones and smartphones has not yet been fully proven; sometimes we hear the results of “shocking” studies, but they are to a greater extent more like revelations from a psychic show than an attempt to get us not to use such gadgets.
In the global information field, the opinion has been established that phones are harmful, but the danger from their use is so small that you can ignore it.
Every year at the presentation of a new Apple smartphone we hear hundreds of “emazings”, praises new camera and endless comparisons of the device's power with previous models. Behind the flurry of information about megapixels and gigabytes, one of the important indicators of iPhones is hidden - SAR.
What is SAR
SAR(Specific Absorption Rate) – specific ratio absorption of electromagnetic energy by the tissues of the human body in one second. This indicator measures the value harmful effects mobile phone per user.
SAR is measured in watts per kilogram or per square centimeter.
In Europe the maximum valid value radiation is 2 W/kg for 10 grams of tissue. In the United States, the Federal Communications Agency certifies only those cellular devices whose SAR is not higher than 1.6 W/kg for 1 gram of tissue.
In Russia, a different system for measuring radiated power is in watts per square centimeter. It is quite difficult to transfer global measurement systems to the domestic one; this can only be done experimentally.
How harmful is exposure to the phone?
The human body on average consists of 70% water, the molecules of which are capable of absorbing the energy of high-frequency radiation and converting it into thermal energy. In other words, phone radiation can heat up water molecules in our body in the same way that a microwave oven heats food.
The temperature of human brain tissue during life can change the temperature by 1 degree Celsius without consequences. Greater temperature fluctuations will negatively affect human health.
If we consider the European SAR standard as an example, then with a maximum safe radiation level of 2 W/kg, the temperature in the tissues can increase by about 0.3-0.5 degrees Celsius. In theory, this does not harm the body, however, in combination with other types of electromagnetic influence it can lead to irreversible consequences.
With such a change in temperature, the destruction of protein chains is often detected; scientists have not yet come to a consensus regarding the impact of this fact on health.
How to check real SAR devices
There are several dedicated radiation safety testing and certification centers around the world electronic devices. One of the most technologically advanced is the STUK Radiation and Nuclear Safety Center in Finland.
A special form is filled with a substance whose properties are similar to the tissues of the human body. The radiation source is placed in close proximity to the form, and then the radiation level is measured under different operating modes of the gadget.
This is what the SAR measurement process looks like:
Back to iPhones
This is what it looks like comparison table SAR levels for everyone iPhone models in the US measurement system:
As you can see, SAR values are far from the maximum permissible 1.6 W/kg for 1 gram of tissue, but at the same time new iPhone 7 is the most “harmful” in this parameter among current smartphone models.
For comparison, the SAR level of the main competitor Samsung Galaxy S8 equal to 1.25 W/kg for the head and 1.52 W/kg for the body.
Is it worth worrying
The specified SAR value is determined when the phone is operating at maximum power. In practice, this does not happen often; the level of radiation depends on the quality of the network, the terrain and the proximity of mobile operator towers.
The radiation level increases with bad signal network and decreases with good. Peak values are recorded during network search and making a call (dialing).
The impact may depend on the position of the phone relative to the head, the biological characteristics of the body and age.
Studies on the possible impact of mobile phone radiation on the growth of cancer have not reached clear conclusions. Widespread use of phones has been around for about 10 years, and accurate analysis will take much longer.
Do not forget that smoking, the harm of which has long been proven, was even considered beneficial until the middle of the 20th century.
If you are interested not only technical characteristics phone, but also think about its security, you will be interested to know about: which smartphone is the most secure?
Our friend from Spain shared with us an interesting infographic that was published by all Spanish technical magazines. It contains the rating popular smartphones and their emission level: from lowest to highest SAR.
Smartphone radiation level
It's surprising that the phone from our favorite company managed to take first place in this rating. But, unfortunately, this is not entirely good news.
What is SAR?
The phone's radiation level is characterized by the Specific Absorption Rate.
This indicator shows how much electromagnetic energy is absorbed in human tissues in one second.
Every smartphone, including devices Xiaomi company, has its own SAR level (i.e. specific absorption power). By studying this data, you can understand how harmful a phone is for a person, and what impact it can have on his health.
As you can see in the image, the brands that top the list of unsafe mobile phones in terms of RF emissions are Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei, Nokia, Sony and ZTE. Yes, the Asian market, and especially the Chinese market, are the best. But it’s worrying that Xiaomi has become a leader in this ranking.
Xiaomi Mi A1 tops the list with 1.75 W/kg. The acceptable norm in Europe is up to 2 W/kg.
Then we have 5 popular mobile phones such as OnePlus 5T (1.68), Huawei Mate 9 (1,64), Nokia Lumia 630 (1.51) and fifth place Huawei P9 Plus (1.48).
On the other hand, among safe phones, which produce less radiation, the list is topped by the Japanese company Sony with its Xperia model M5 (0.14). Next comes Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (0.17), Galaxy S6 Edge (0.22), Google Pixel XL (0.25) and fifth place Galaxy S8 Plus (0.26). The top 10 is completed by the Galaxy S7 Edge, ZTE BLADE A910, LG Q6, Galaxy A5 (2016) and Moto G5 Plus.
In the 2018 ranking, compiled based on the latest research, we see only one Xiaomi model. This is due to the fact that it is the Mi A1 that is actively moving into the European market and is the most popular phone Xiaomi is in Spain, which is why it was chosen when compiling the infographic, since the new product stock Android became the leader in SAR indicator.
If you look at it as a whole, you can draw conclusions by studying the data for 2017.
Top 5 safest:
- Mi 5,
- Redmi 3 Pro,
- Redmi Note 3 Pro,
- Mi 5s,
- Redmi 3S Prime.
Radiation Xiaomi Redmi 4x at 1.49 W/kg.
Dear readers, are you worried about magnetic radiation from your phone? Do you think Mi A1 owners need to worry about the fact that the device is listed as having a high health risk?
Cell phones, in addition to the amount of memory, processor speed and megapixels in the camera, have another important indicator - the level of radiation. Typically, the characteristics give the SAR value - this “the level of radiation determines the energy of the electromagnetic field released in the tissues of the human body in one second” (quote from Wikipedia).
For example, the MagCom phone (MagCom model) has a SAR level of 0.04, and the iPhone 3GS has a SAR level of 1.20 (this is at the maximum). The norm is 2. By the way, marketers, here's an idea for you. “Eco-friendly” phone, green and made of wood. With minimal radiation levels. “Protect yourself from cancer” and all that.
The phone's radiation depends on what frequency it operates on (only GSM has several frequency ranges, and there is also WCDMA and so on), how high is the signal level from the station and whether WiFi and Bluetooth (all transmitters emit) and other radio modules are turned on.
In addition, SAR is measured differently in different countries. In the USA and some other countries, the SAR value is measured per 1 gram of tissue (and this characteristic is often referred to as US SAR), the norm in these countries is 1.6 W/kg, in Europe and parts of other countries - per 10 grams, the norm in in this case - 2 W/kg (EU SAR). Russia has adopted its own SanPiN standards. The SAR value in them cannot be translated using simple mathematics, but it is known that Russian standards are, in general, more stringent.
Now, watch your hands. What happens if the phone has two or three telephone radio modules? It is logical that their radiation level will be higher. How long? Do SAR values add up? Reply to last question I don’t know, but you can view SAR for mobile phones with multiple SIM cards.
I looked at a few examples. Certified Samsung Duos SGH-D880 - 0.22 W/kg (per 10 g), Samsung Duos GT-C5212 - 0.62, and Fly never discloses information about the SAR of its phones (sic!), but they are sold officially in Russia. Apparently, the level is the maximum permissible or very close to the upper limit.
For the “gray” Chinese, the characteristics are more difficult to find, but it is mentioned on the Internet that supposedly someone from Mobile-Review took measurements (I found nothing on their website) and the results were as follows: TV1000 - 1.63, N95 - 2, 08, F003 - 3.12, C5000 - 2.63. If this is true, then it doesn’t matter on what scale it was measured, it’s still a lot.
Based on the numbers found, there are three conclusions. First, everything is strict with certification in our country, otherwise the counters official shops would be overwhelmed Chinese phones(it’s clear that you can buy anything in the markets), the second one is from certified phones with two SIM cards, SAR is within normal limits, but there are two emitters, hence the conclusion - the reception will be weak, which is what users of such phones often complain about (sometimes, however, it happens that one radio module is weaker than the second, which is also unpleasant). The bottom line is that it’s better not to buy phones with three radio modules at all.
The third conclusion is that manufacturers of phones with two SIM cards have to somehow reduce the level of consumption. I don’t know of a single certified cell phone with two SIM cards, where when calling with one SIM card, they could call the second one. But there are plenty of Chinese ones like that. This is probably due to the fact that the second radio module “falls asleep” in order to reduce radiation during a conversation on the first.
P.S. For starters, there is a cell phone with 4 SIM, produced, of course, in China.
SAR (from English Specific Absorption Rate), specific absorption rate of electromagnetic energy, is an indicator that determines the energy of the electromagnetic field absorbed in the tissues of the human body in one second. These indicators also measure the magnitude of the harmful effects of mobile phones or smartphones on the human body. That's why this parameter can be found in the characteristics of mobile devices.
It is interesting that science has not fully figured out how the radiation of a mobile phone or smartphone affects our body; accordingly, no one can provide accurate data. However, in Europe it is considered that the specific absorption rate of electromagnetic energy should not exceed 2 W/kg for 10 grams of tissue - this is the intensity with which a smartphone or telephone can emit radiation during a conversation when held near a person's ear. In the USA, a different measurement system is used - no higher than 1.6 W/kg for 1 gram of tissue.
Another feature is that the SAR value is determined when the phone or smartphone is operating on full power. If we talk about ordinary life, then the transmitter power depends on the conditions in which the user is located. So, if he is in a place where excellent quality connection, the less power. However, there are other situations. In addition, the SAR level depends on other circumstances.
Should you pay attention to the SAR level when buying a new smartphone or phone? As was written above, scientists have not fully elucidated the influence of radiation from mobile gadgets on the human body. Still, it is recommended to take into account the SAR indicator - the lower it is, the better for human health.
You can check the SAR level in the device specifications. Take the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F for example. Here are its characteristics on Yandex.Market:
As you can see, the SAR level indicated here is 0.52. This is a very good figure, although not a record. For the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, it is only 0.264, and with this indicator the smartphone occupies a leading position at the end of 2016. By the way, here are the top ten secure devices according to SAR level at the end of 2016 (according to sammobile.com).
What is the SAR level?
Among the characteristics of the phone you can often see the category “SAR level”. Many people do not know what this means, although for others this parameter means a lot.
During operation, a mobile phone inevitably creates a weak electromagnetic field around itself - it receives and sends a radio signal at a certain frequency. The electromagnetic field affects the human body, but this influence has not yet been fully studied - which is why there are many rumors and speculations associated with it.
The most obvious effect is the energy that is released in human tissues when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. That is, they heat up slightly. In particular, a similar principle is used in microwave oven, but do not confuse a microwave oven and a mobile phone. They are designed differently, operate at different frequencies and are intended for different purposes. The power of any stove is hundreds of times greater than the power of any mobile phone, finally.
What is the SAR level? In strict language, this is the amount of energy released by human tissue at the maximum signal level and, accordingly, radiation from a mobile phone in one second. This level is specially measured in the laboratories of large mobile phone manufacturers so that the devices are approved for sale. There are websites where you can check the SAR level of any mobile phone. Many manufacturers place it in technical documentation. The permissible SAR values in Europe and the USA are very low, such radiation is safe even for a child. This permissible value was specifically set with this in mind.
Much more worrying may be caused by various unexplored aspects of electromagnetic radiation, which may act detrimentally over time, that is, it is a hidden source of some diseases and ailments that will only appear over time. Unfortunately, research on this topic has so far did not give reliable results. That is, there seems to be a danger, but no one has yet been able to “catch” it or understand its nature. IN in this case A simple logic applies - if the effect on the body is constant and intense enough, then it will have some consequences.
So, we can conclude: The electromagnetic field of a branded mobile phone is not dangerous to the human body with moderate use of the device.
If you have to so many talk on mobile phone (2-3 or more hours a day), That negative influence can be minimized by following these tips:
- Buy a device with low SAR level(Philips X501, Samsung GT-I8000, Nokia 6600i Slide, Samsung GT-S3100, Sony Ericsson W760i, LG GW620, Alcatel One Touch 806);
- Most high level radiation is recorded at the moment the connection is established, so after dialing the number, do not rush to put the phone to your ear, wait a few seconds;
- Buy a wired or Bluetooth headset;
- If you are in an area of uncertain or relatively weak reception (less than half the scale on the phone), you should reduce the duration of calls to a minimum and, if possible, replace voice communication to SMS;
- If you often make calls from your car, install a remote car antenna. The metal body of a passenger car significantly worsens the conditions for transmitting a signal from the phone to base station, so the power increases.