First, the basics for those who need to hear them:

Mobile phones emit potentially dangerous electromagnetic radiation (EMR) when in use. Different cell phones emit different amounts as well as different types (different wavelengths) of EMR. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates that a limited amount of radio frequency (RF) EMR can be emitted by any legally sold mobile phone. Testing is mandated for each model of phone to determine a number which can give an indication of how much EMR will be emitted during use. This testing results in a number referred to as a specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR value is used to quantify the rate at which energy is absorbed by the body when exposed to RF EMR of the mobile device. For most people, this is the best indication of how much radiation can be expected to come from one phone versus another. For those who are concerned about exposure to EMR from mobile devices, the SAR values associated with each model of phone can play a major role in deciding which phone to purchase and use on a daily basis. Here is some information on the potential health hazards of cell phone usage: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/aug2007_report_cellphone_radiation_01.htm


Now, to answer the question of how to interpret SAR values, particularly with the set of SAR data provided directly by the FCC versus the numbers seen from various secondary sources online:

If you look up SAR data on a particular model of phone and get your information directly from the FCC, you will likely see four different numbers (sometimes more or less) as SAR values which all apply to that particular phone. Mobile devices typically contain multiple components (identified as Part #) which function as different types of antennas for different frequencies of radio waves. Part 22 and Part 24 are two common components like this and each one undergoes two types of testing. One test is intended to measure how much radiation would be absorbed by a person's head when exposed to the component and another test is intended to measure how much radiation would be absorbed by a person's body if the device were to be worn on the body. In the example given, this results in two SAR values (head and body) for Part 22 and two more for Part 24, all of which are numbers that apply to the use of that particular cell phone. A table explaining what each Part # is basically used for is available at: http://www.scc-ares-races.org/FCCpartstitles.html

SAR values range from 0 to 1.6 and are expressed in terms of watts per kilogram (W/kg). If looking to minimize EMR exposure, the important thing is just to look for as low of numbers as possible. A decent rule of thumb is that anything which exceeds a value of 1.0 is towards the higher end of the spectrum, whereas some phones rate much lower; such as the Samsung Blue Earth (FCCID: A3LGTS7550) which (according to grant info from 10/16/2009) has SAR values of 0.38 W/kg (Part 22, Head), 0.47 W/kg (Part 22, Body-worn), 0.23 W/kg (Part 24, Head), and 0.11 W/kg (Part 24, Body-worn). One approach towards judging these numbers as a whole could be to take note of the highest value (0.47 in the example given) and compare similarly to SAR values of other phones.

On web sites throughout the Internet, SAR values are often represented as a single number (or else just two numbers) which apply to a given phone. This is less accurate than giving all (four or more) numbers as offered by the FCC. This incomplete data is probably used by sites for the sake of simplicity, but could potentially involve deception as well. Really, it is a mystery to me (the author of this post) how a single number is chosen by websites (such as CNET) to represent the range of SAR values which apply to the phone. In the example of Samsung Blue Earth, as mentioned earlier, CNET lists the SAR value as the single number: 0.196. This number is not the highest value mentioned on the FCC site with relation to that phone and the only apparent mention of the number is in the results of just one isolated test where 0.196mW/g is mentioned relative to testing "Mode: GSM 850, Right Head, Tilt, Mid.ch". There may be a good explanation for all of this, but one theory potentially supported by this evidence is that sites such as CNET are using deceptive numbers to represent the SAR values of phones. This does not mean that CNET or any other site in particular would be intentionally using deceptive numbers, but it may possibly be true nonetheless. If any intentional deception were employed it would probably be by the hand of cell phone manufacturers which stand the most to gain financially. Otherwise it could be an honest mistake. It could even be a misinterpretation on my part in not understanding how they would come up with their single number which doesn't line up with numbers I see from the FCC. But in any case, I think the FCC is the most direct source of information and to err on the side of caution, I would recommend using numbers directly from the FCC, keeping in mind they are sometimes higher numbers than seen elsewhere (such as CNET).


Effective method for retrieving SAR data from FCC:

(1.) Find out the FCC ID (often expressed as a single word: FCCID) for the model of phone you want SAR data on. You can search online (Google, etc.) for the phone's commercial name along with the word "FCCID" or term "FCC ID". Otherwise a quick, easy way to get the FCCID for many phones is to search for the model of phone at http://www.phonescoop.com

(2.) Use the FCCID to search for the particular model of phone at the FCC database made available to the public for free at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/

(3.) In the search results, click on a blue check mark icon under the "Display Grant" column. This should bring up a page full of details pertaining to the phone, wherein somewhere on the page there will likely be a sentence or two looking similar to "The highest reported SAR values are: Part 22 - Head: 0.49 W/kg; Body: 0.60 W/kg; Part 24 - Head: 0.38 W/kg; Body: 0.57 W/kg." That is the answer you are looking for. If you don't see it on the page, return to the initial search results and choose a different record under the "Display Grant" column.

(4.) Record your results, such as in a text file, to compare SAR data on various phones which you are considering buying and using. Consider sharing your results online with others.


A note on where all this info comes from:

All of the above information I have been able to share with you because I am a health-conscious consumer who has taken the time to learn some things about exposure to radiation. I have spent time talking with FCC employees, cell phone manufacturing companies, cell phone carriers, and I have scoured the Internet for information. I went from knowing very little to a decent amount, but I am still not the expert I would want to be to give you a more detailed understanding of how to interpret all the SAR data available and make the best decision on which phone to use. That being said, I encourage anyone to research additional information on their own and come back here to share what they've found. Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. If you appreciate the info and want to return the favor, please visit http://www.red5dev.com