Smartphone Radiation is Increasing...

Smartphone Radiation Basics

  • Smartphones emit electromagnetic waves constantly when on
  • Radiation measured as Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - energy absorbed by body from electromagnetic waves
  • US government states SAR value <1.6 is safe

Brand Radiation Rankings

  • Highest radiation levels: Xiaomi and OnePlus consistently high, fighting for top spot
  • Lowest radiation levels: Samsung, LG, and ZTE are winners
  • Variation example: Xiaomi A1 has 10x higher radiation than Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Increasing Radiation Exposure Trends

  • Signal strength becoming more intense, especially with 5G introduction
  • Smartphone users increased roughly 10x in last decade
  • Average user spends 24 hours/week on phone (equivalent to whole day)
  • Kids getting smartphones at younger ages than ever
  • Evidence suggests young children most at risk if anyone is

Electromagnetic Spectrum Context

  • Higher energy waves (left side): ionizing radiation - powerful enough to dislodge electrons from atoms, damage internal structure, directly cause cancers
  • Smartphone radiation: combination of radio waves and microwaves
  • Microwaves used to cook food but far from ionizing radiation on spectrum
  • 5G concerns: higher energy than 4G but still in microwave category, closer to infrared

Safety Research and Uncertainty

  • Most studies suggest smartphones not problematic
  • Rat tests required many times recommended amount before negative outcomes
  • Difficult to design conclusive studies due to:
    • Fast-changing smartphone landscape
    • More people using phones for longer periods
    • 5G introduction
    • Impossible to conclusively prove no amount problematic

Safety Measures and Recommendations

  • Physical radiation blockers: available for purchase
  • Steel cages: designed to lock phone away while sleeping
  • Air tube earphones: speaker unit halfway down cable, away from head (speaker and wire produce most radiation)
  • Relocation: some moved to National Radio Quiet Zone (US) with strict radio wave regulations

European Authority Recommendations

  • Keep mobile phone away from body
  • Radio wave intensity proportional to distance squared
  • Holding phone extra 5cm from head or different pocket has big impact on exposure
  • Use speakerphone when possible for same distance benefits