How Much Radiation Really Comes From a Smartphone?

How safe is smartphone use? The official stance is shaky at best. So we set out to find out. Primarily because we all use them these days, and we don't want to be exposed to excess radiation. We’ve gathered the latest research on the amount of radiation — and what it could be doing to our health. The results are more than a little surprising.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has limits on acceptable smartphone radiation levels, but numerous phones could be exceeding or pushing those limits. And there’s no consensus on how dangerous exposure actually is. The WHO (World Health Organization) has smartphone radiation listed as a “possible human carcinogen,” and studies indicate exposure may affect sperm health, reduce offspring size and cause other negative physical effects, but more research is still needed. See the article below for details on the amount of radiation coming from that smartphone and what that may mean.

FCC Limits

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) works closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies to determine smartphone safety. Their officials review studies and other findings, looking for evidence that the radiofrequency (RF) energy we’re exposed to isn’t causing cancer or other bodily harm.

The FCC looks at the specific absorption rate (SAR) of smartphone frequencies, which is the amount of RF energy our bodies absorb when in close proximity. The agency currently limits manufacturers from distributing devices that have a SAR greater than 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg). Unfortunately, not everyone always follows the rules.

Failure to Comply?

According to Statistica, at least one popular cell phone exceeds the 1.6 W/kg limit, and several others cut it dangerously close. Xiaomi’s Mi A1 emits a whopping 1.75 W/kg, and its Mi Max 3 model comes in close at 1.58 W/kg. Not far behind is OnePlus’ 6T, at 155 W/kg; HTC’s U12 life, at 1.48 W/kg; and Xiaomi’s Mi Mix 3, at 145 W/kg.

A Business Insider report also states that Apple and Samsung are being investigated by the FCC. According to an independent study, iPhone 7 and iPhone 8, as well as Galaxy models J3, S8 and S9, all were found to emit more RF energy than allowed by the FCC. And that test was limited to less than a dozen smartphones, with hundreds of others also potentially at risk. So what does this mean for those of us who’ve come to rely on our smartphones?

Effects of Radio Waves on the Body

No one can say for sure how dangerous RF energy is to the human body. According to the American Cancer Society, reports have been problematic, contradictory and inconclusive. Most sources agree that limited exposure isn’t likely to affect most people, but excessive smartphone use could increase risks for certain types of tumors. RF energy is considered “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization.

And cancer might not be the only potential risk. One study on rats showed fourth-generation (4G) smartphone RF exposure can affect sperm quality and offspring weight. Another study showed 4G RF led to chemical changes in the brain and structural changes to the livers of exposed rat fetuses. A report published in India warns that too much RF exposure may lead to behavioral, reproductive, immunological and cardiovascular effects in humans.

Limiting Exposure

But the good news is that we can limit RF exposure by using the speakerphone option or an earpiece rather than holding the phone up to our heads. Carry the phone in a purse or briefcase instead of on your person. Avoid using the phone when it has only one or two bars or while in a moving car, which means it’s working harder to get a signal. Also, sleep with your phone at least a few feet away from the bed to reduce overnight exposure.

RF energy may pose some legitimate health risks, but the jury’s still out on just how dangerous it is. Until we know more, it’s best to play it safe and keep exposure to a minimum. Otherwise, we may be getting more with our smartphones than we bargained for.

Copyright 2019, Wellness.com