Effect of pierced metallic objects on sar distributions at 900 MHz.
Fayos-Fernandez J, Arranz-Faz C, Martinez-Gonzalez AM, Sanchez-Hernandez D. · 2006
View Original AbstractMetallic ear piercings and accessories can increase cell phone radiation absorption in head tissues during calls.
Plain English Summary
Spanish researchers studied how metallic ear piercings affect radiation absorption when using cell phones at 900 MHz. They found that wearing metal objects near your ear increases peak SAR (specific absorption rate) values, meaning more electromagnetic energy gets absorbed by your head tissues. This suggests that common accessories like earrings could amplify your exposure to cell phone radiation.
Why This Matters
This research highlights an often-overlooked factor that could increase your EMF exposure during phone calls. The study demonstrates that metallic objects worn near the ear can act like antennas, concentrating electromagnetic fields and increasing tissue absorption rates. What makes this particularly relevant is that 900 MHz falls within the frequency range used by GSM cell phones worldwide. While the researchers used controlled laboratory conditions with specific antenna configurations, the principle applies to real-world phone use. The reality is that millions of people wear metallic earrings, hearing aids, or other metal accessories while talking on phones, potentially increasing their radiation exposure without realizing it. You don't have to eliminate all metal accessories, but this research suggests being mindful of what you're wearing during lengthy phone conversations.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
A study of the interaction between mobile phone antennas and a human head in the presence of different types of metallic objects, attached and pierced to the compressed ear, is presented in this article.
Computed and measured results have been performed by considering a quasi-half-wavelength dipole as t...
Despite the measuring accuracy limitations of the study, both simulated and measured results suggest...
Show BibTeX
@article{j_2006_effect_of_pierced_metallic_2076,
author = {Fayos-Fernandez J and Arranz-Faz C and Martinez-Gonzalez AM and Sanchez-Hernandez D.},
title = {Effect of pierced metallic objects on sar distributions at 900 MHz.},
year = {2006},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16724318/},
}