A Brief Guide to Cell Phone Radiation(SAR value) and its Control

SAR Value: A measure of cell phone radiation:
SAR (specific absorption rate) is an indication of the amount of radiation that is absorbed into a head whilst using a cell phone, the higher the SAR value the more is the radiation that is absorbed into the head. All mobiles emit RF (Radio Frequency) while transmitting wireless signals. It is worth knowing how RF energy is measured, how to reduce radiation exposure and how to determine your own phone’s SAR value.In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits SAR to 1.6 W/kg. This SAR value was set way back in the year 1996, but many consumer and scientific groups have raised concerns and demanded that it should be re-evaluated as per new research, the rapid adoption of cell phones, and changing technology. Currently, this value is used as a standard in many countries.

FCC ID Search

Twakon App

SAR value check on phone dialer

How to measure your smartphone’s SAR rate:
SAR value is printed on the phone’s pack or on user manuals, but for some reason, if you can’t find it on the pack, here are some other ways you can check it.

You can simply dial *#07# on your phone’s dialer and check the SAR value of your smartphone. This can be useful when you are buying second hand devices or are checking phones for purchase at a store. It will work even without a SIM card inserted. Unfortunately, this won’t work on all devices, but will work on a majority of devices.
Tawkon is an app which will help you measure smartphone radiation exposure. The App can warn you about radiation exposure or when you need to switch to a hands free. The app uses SAR value as a metric in determining radiation exposure level during a call.
FCC maintains a database for all smartphones released in US. So if you have the FCC ID (usually listed on the rear case or below it) you can simply open FCC Database, enter FCC ID and get all details related to SAR value there. Some other websites like CNET also maintain a record of SAR values for smartphones which you can refer. Most manufactures also list SAR value on the official product page in their website. (Official website for FCC ID search :http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/

Ways to Reduce SAR Exposure:
Some of the useful tips to reduce smartphone radiation exposure are as follows:

Don’t press your phone directly against your ear. Prefer using a headset, a speaker phone, or hold the phone little far away from your head.
When your phone is switched on, don’t put it on your body (pocket etc.)
Look for a strong signal. Research indicates that radiation exposure increases dramatically when cell phone signals are weak.
Keep cell phone away from young children, even to play with, because they are more vulnerable to radiation.
Try to avoid using cell phones in elevators, cars, planes or trains as cell phones tend to emit more radiation in closed metal spaces.
Turn off your phones wireless connections and Bluetooth when not in use.
Use radiation protection cases for your cell phone.
Prefer text messages and talk less.

Replacing your phone with a model that has a lower SAR is worth considering, but there is no guarantee that your body will actually absorb little RF energy. It is not currently possible to figure out how much radiation different wireless devices emit under various circumstances and on various carrier networks. So do follow the safety guidelines and safeguard the prospective hazards.