Introduction:
If you are like most people, you probably use your smartphone for several hours every day. You may even keep it close to your body at all times, such as in your pocket, purse, or on your bedside table. But have you ever wondered how much radiation your phone emits and how it may affect your health?
What Is Smartphone Radiation And How Is It Measured?
Radiation from cell phones is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy that your body absorbs when you use a phone. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has set a limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg) for the maximum SAR that a phone can have. However, this limit is based on the thermal effects of RF radiation, which means the heat that it generates in your body. It does not take into account the possible biological effects of RF radiation, such as DNA damage, cancer, or neurological disorders.
Therefore, some experts and consumers prefer to use phones with lower SAR values, which may reduce the exposure to RF radiation and its potential risks. According to the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz), which has a comprehensive database of SAR values for smartphones, the lowest SAR smartphone is Mudita Pure, with an estimated value of 0.06-0.08 W/kg1. However, this phone is minimalistic and lacks the features of modern smartphones.
So, what are the most radioactive phones of 2023, and should you avoid them?
Here is a list of the top 10 phones with the highest SAR values, based on the data from the Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz2:
Rank | Phone Model | SAR (W/kg) |
---|---|---|
1 | Motorola Edge | 1.59 |
2 | OnePlus 9 Pro | 1.55 |
3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | 1.51 |
4 | Huawei P50 Pro | 1.49 |
5 | Nokia 8.3 5G | 1.46 |
6 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | 1.43 |
7 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 1.39 |
8 | Sony Xperia 1 III | 1.37 |
9 | Google Pixel 6 Pro | 1.35 |
10 | LG Wing | 1.33 |
As you can see, most of these phones are flagship models from popular brands, and they offer high-end features and performance. However, they also emit a lot of radiation, which may be a concern for some users. If you own or plan to buy one of these phones, you may want to take some precautions to reduce your exposure.
precautions to reduce the effect of radiation:
- Use a headset or speakerphone when making calls, instead of holding the phone to your ear.
- Keep the phone away from your body when not in use, such as in a bag or on a desk, instead of in your pocket.
- Limit the duration and frequency of your phone calls, especially when the signal is weak or when you are in a moving vehicle.
- Turn off your phone or switch to airplane mode when you are not using it, especially at night or when you are in a low-EMF environment.
- Use a protective case or cover that blocks or reduces RF radiation, such as those made of anti-radiation materials or with shielding technology.
Conclusion:
These are some of the ways that you can protect yourself from the possible harmful effects of cell phone radiation. However, you should also be aware that there is no conclusive scientific evidence that links cell phone radiation to any specific health problems. The research on this topic is still ongoing and controversial, and different studies may have different methods, results, and interpretations. Therefore, you should not panic or be paranoid about your phone but rather be informed and cautious about your choices and habits. Remember that your phone is a useful and powerful device, but also a potential source of radiation that you should use wisely and responsibly.
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