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SAR / Device Absorption

Assessment of specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the head from a TETRA handset.

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Dimbylow P, Khalid M, Mann S. · 2003

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Professional TETRA radios exceeded public safety limits by 50% during normal use, revealing gaps in real-world device compliance.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

British researchers calculated how much radiofrequency energy TETRA radios (used by police and emergency services) deposit in the human head during use. They found that while 1-watt devices stayed within safety limits, 3-watt devices with certain antennas exceeded public exposure guidelines by up to 50% during continuous 6-minute use. This matters because it shows that even professional radio equipment designed to meet safety standards can potentially exceed recommended exposure limits under normal operating conditions.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning gap between theoretical safety standards and real-world device performance. TETRA radios operate at 380-395 MHz, similar to many consumer wireless devices, yet this research from the UK's National Radiological Protection Board found that higher-powered units can exceed public exposure limits by 50%. What makes this particularly significant is that these are professional devices used by first responders who rely on them for extended periods. The research demonstrates that SAR calculations aren't just academic exercises - they have real implications for occupational health. While the study focused on professional radio equipment, it underscores a broader principle: devices that technically 'comply' with safety standards can still create concerning exposure levels depending on power output, antenna design, and usage patterns. The fact that continuous 6-minute use pushed exposure beyond public guidelines suggests that cumulative exposure from multiple devices or extended use periods deserves more attention in our increasingly wireless world.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 6 min continuously.

Study Details

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the specific energy absorption rate (SAR) from a representative TETRA handset have been performed in an anatomically realistic model of the head.

TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is a modern digital private mobile radio system designed to meet t...

operating at 1 W in normal use, will show compliance with both the ICNIRP occupational and public ex...

Cite This Study
Dimbylow P, Khalid M, Mann S. (2003). Assessment of specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the head from a TETRA handset. Phys Med Biol. 48(23):3911-26, 2003.
Show BibTeX
@article{p_2003_assessment_of_specific_energy_2033,
  author = {Dimbylow P and Khalid M and Mann S.},
  title = {Assessment of specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the head from a TETRA handset.},
  year = {2003},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14703166/},
}
PubMed: 14703166

Cited By (23 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, 3-watt TETRA radios with helical antennas can exceed public safety limits by up to 50% during 6 minutes of continuous use. British researchers found that while 1-watt devices stay within guidelines, higher-power emergency service radios may surpass recommended exposure levels during normal operation.
TETRA radios deposit radiofrequency energy directly into head tissues, with 3-watt devices potentially exceeding public safety guidelines by 50%. The 2003 British study showed these professional radios can surpass recommended exposure limits during typical 6-minute continuous use periods.
TETRA police radios can produce higher radiation exposure than typical cell phones, especially 3-watt models with helical antennas. Research shows these professional radios may exceed public safety limits by up to 50% during continuous use, unlike most consumer devices.
Emergency service TETRA radios show varying SAR levels depending on power and antenna type. While 1-watt devices comply with safety limits, 3-watt radios with helical antennas can exceed public exposure guidelines by approximately 50% during 6 minutes of continuous operation.
TETRA handsets emit enough radiation to potentially exceed public safety limits, particularly 3-watt models with helical antennas. British research found these professional radios can surpass recommended exposure guidelines by up to 50% when held against the head for 6 continuous minutes.