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SAR / Device Absorption

Mobile phone types and SAR characteristics of the human brain.

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Lee AK, Hong SE, Kwon JH, Choi HD, Cardis E. · 2017

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Phone design and antenna type create significant differences in brain radiation exposure, but this safety information remains hidden from consumers.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers analyzed how different types of mobile phones expose the brain to electromagnetic radiation by calculating specific absorption rates (SAR) for 11 phone models representing 86% of phones sold in Korea since 2002. They found that phone design, antenna type, and user age significantly affect how much radiation the brain absorbs, with variations depending on whether phones had internal or external antennas. This research helps us understand why some phones may pose greater exposure risks than others.

Why This Matters

This study provides crucial insight into a reality the wireless industry rarely discusses: not all phones expose your brain to the same level of electromagnetic radiation. The researchers found significant variations in brain SAR levels based on phone design and antenna configuration, which means your choice of device directly impacts your exposure. What makes this research particularly valuable is its comprehensive scope, analyzing phone models that represent the vast majority of devices actually used by consumers, not just theoretical scenarios. The science demonstrates that factors like antenna placement and phone positioning create measurably different radiation patterns in brain tissue. Put simply, this means some phones are inherently safer than others, yet consumers have no practical way to identify lower-exposure devices since manufacturers don't prominently display this information.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Mobile phone types and SAR characteristics of the human brain.

For this paper, the specific absorption rate (SAR) was calculated for four anatomical head models at...

The 1 g peak spatial SAR and ipsilateral and contralateral brain-averaged SARs were reported for all...

Cite This Study
Lee AK, Hong SE, Kwon JH, Choi HD, Cardis E. (2017). Mobile phone types and SAR characteristics of the human brain. Phys Med Biol. 62(7):2741-2761, 2017.
Show BibTeX
@article{ak_2017_mobile_phone_types_and_2343,
  author = {Lee AK and Hong SE and Kwon JH and Choi HD and Cardis E.},
  title = {Mobile phone types and SAR characteristics of the human brain.},
  year = {2017},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28267685/},
}
PubMed: 28267685

Cited By (30 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, phone design significantly affects brain radiation exposure. A 2017 study analyzing 11 phone models found that antenna type, phone position, and user age all influence how much electromagnetic radiation your brain absorbs during calls.
Research shows phones vary significantly in radiation exposure to your brain. The 2017 Korean study found different phone models produced different SAR levels, with variations depending on internal versus external antenna designs and operating frequencies.
Phone antenna design directly impacts brain radiation exposure. Research comparing 11 phone models found that phones with internal antennas versus external antennas produced different specific absorption rates in brain tissue during use.
Yes, user age influences how much phone radiation your brain absorbs. The 2017 study found that age was one of several factors that significantly affected brain SAR levels when using mobile phones.
Phone positioning affects radiation exposure to your brain. Research analyzing multiple phone models found that how you hold your phone influences the specific absorption rate in both sides of your brain tissue.