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SAR / Device Absorption

Comparison of numerical and experimental methods for determination of SAR and radiation patterns of handheld wireless telephones.

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Gandhi OP, Lazzi G, Tinniswood A, Yu QS, · 1999

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Cell phone SAR levels varied 40-fold in this study, with some devices exceeding current safety limits unless antennas were positioned away from the head.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers compared computer calculations with actual measurements to determine how much radiofrequency energy cell phones deposit in human tissue (called SAR). They tested phones operating at cellular frequencies and found SAR levels ranged dramatically from 0.13 to 5.41 watts per kilogram, with some older-technology phones exceeding current safety limits of 1.6 W/kg unless antennas were carefully designed and positioned away from the head.

Why This Matters

This technical validation study reveals a critical finding often overlooked in EMF safety discussions: cell phone SAR levels can vary by more than 40-fold depending on antenna design and placement. The reality is that some devices in this 1999 study exceeded the current 1.6 W/kg safety limit, particularly older AMPS technology phones operating at maximum power. What this means for you is that device design matters enormously for your exposure level. The science demonstrates that antenna placement and engineering can make the difference between minimal exposure and levels that exceed safety standards. This research validates the importance of choosing devices with lower SAR ratings and maintaining distance from your body during use.

Exposure Details

SAR
0.13 to 5.41, W/kg
Source/Device
835 and 1900 MHz

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.13 to 5.41, W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern rangeFCC limit is 12x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.90 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.90 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Comparison of numerical and experimental methods for determination of SAR and radiation patterns of handheld wireless telephones.

we used the expanding grid formulation of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for finer-...

Even though widely different peak 1-g SARs were obtained, ranging from 0.13 to 5.41 W/kg, agreement ...

Cite This Study
Gandhi OP, Lazzi G, Tinniswood A, Yu QS, (1999). Comparison of numerical and experimental methods for determination of SAR and radiation patterns of handheld wireless telephones. Bioelectromagnetics Suppl 4:93-101, 1999.
Show BibTeX
@article{op_1999_comparison_of_numerical_and_986,
  author = {Gandhi OP and Lazzi G and Tinniswood A and Yu QS and},
  title = {Comparison of numerical and experimental methods for determination of SAR and radiation patterns of handheld wireless telephones.},
  year = {1999},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10334718/},
}
PubMed: 10334718

Cited By (32 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, some cell phones can exceed the 1.6 W/kg SAR safety limit. A 1999 study found phones with maximum power of 600 mW produced SAR levels up to 5.41 W/kg unless antennas were carefully designed and positioned away from the head.
Cell phone radiation absorption (SAR) varies dramatically between devices, ranging from 0.13 to 5.41 watts per kilogram in human tissue. Research shows older AMPS technology phones can exceed current safety limits without proper antenna design and placement.
Older cell phones using AMPS technology can be more dangerous, producing SAR levels exceeding 1.6 W/kg safety limits. A 1999 study found these phones required careful antenna design and positioning away from the head to stay within safe limits.
Research indicates cell phones deposit varying amounts of radiofrequency energy in human tissue, with some devices exceeding safety limits. A 1999 study measuring biological absorption found SAR levels ranging from 0.13 to 5.41 watts per kilogram in head tissue.
Both 835 MHz and 1900 MHz cell phone frequencies can produce concerning SAR levels in human tissue. Research found dramatic variation in both frequency bands, with some devices exceeding the 1.6 W/kg safety limit regardless of frequency used.