There have been many studies world wide trying to determine if regular usage of a mobile phone causes health problems. These studies have had many controversial outcomes. People have complained of tingling sensations, fatigue, loss of memory, or a ‘hot ear’. But a direct connection with mobile phones cannot be proven. If you are in a poor coverage area it will tend to work harder finding a tower and thus can be warm to the touch and have a much shorter battery life.

 

Mobile phones use electromagnetic waves in the microwave range. Modern mobile phones emit waves below 2 watts, whereas older phones have emissions of over 3 watts.

The SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measures the effect of these waves. It measures the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone. The testing is done by positioning the actual phone in various positions next to an artificial head. Phones are only released on the Australian market if the measured SAR value is below the allowable limit. Phones imported directly from overseas and not tested locally will not have this approval.

 

The mobile phone towers also emit wattage, but this is comparatively low. A common misconception is that with more towers the level of radiation increases. This is false, as more towers means less wattage is required to communicate between towers.

 

Over time, phones have had their wattage reduced to meet allowable SAR limits. This means older phones usually obtain a better signal.  Everybody remembers the great reception of the old Motorola brick phones! If you have concerns, either use your phone as little as possible or use a bluetooth or wired handsfree.