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SAR / Device Absorption

Intercomparison of whole-body averaged SAR in European and Japanese voxel phantoms.

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Dimbylow PJ, Hirata A, Nagaoka T. · 2008

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Computer models used to calculate phone radiation absorption vary significantly between countries, potentially affecting safety standards.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers compared how different computer models of human bodies absorb electromagnetic radiation (SAR) when exposed to frequencies from 30 MHz to 3 GHz. They found that European and Japanese body models showed different absorption patterns, with variations depending on how tissue properties like skin and fat were defined in the calculations. These differences matter because SAR calculations are used to set safety limits for devices like cell phones.

Why This Matters

This research highlights a critical issue in EMF safety standards: the computer models used to calculate radiation absorption vary significantly between different research institutions and countries. What this means for you is that the SAR values you see on your phone's specifications may not tell the complete story about actual exposure levels. The study demonstrates that assumptions about tissue properties and calculation methods can substantially alter SAR measurements, which form the foundation of current safety guidelines. Given that these same modeling techniques are used to establish exposure limits for wireless devices, the variations identified here raise important questions about the consistency and reliability of current safety assessments across different regulatory bodies worldwide.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 30 MHz - 3 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 30 MHz - 3 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 30 MHz to 3 GHz

Study Details

This paper provides an intercomparison of the HPA male and female models, NORMAN and NAOMI with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) male and female models, TARO and HANAKO.

The calculations of the whole-body SAR in these four phantoms were performed at the HPA, at NICT and...

As well as investigating the general differences through this frequency range, particular emphasis w...

Cite This Study
Dimbylow PJ, Hirata A, Nagaoka T. (2008). Intercomparison of whole-body averaged SAR in European and Japanese voxel phantoms. Phys Med Biol. 53(20):5883-5897, 2008.
Show BibTeX
@article{pj_2008_intercomparison_of_wholebody_averaged_2034,
  author = {Dimbylow PJ and Hirata A and Nagaoka T.},
  title = {Intercomparison of whole-body averaged SAR in European and Japanese voxel phantoms.},
  year = {2008},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18827316/},
}
PubMed: 18827316

Cited By (65 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2008 study comparing European and Japanese body models found significant differences in how electromagnetic radiation is absorbed. The variations depend on body composition, particularly skin and fat tissue properties, which affects SAR calculations used for device safety limits.
Body fat significantly influences electromagnetic field absorption patterns. Research shows that different tissue properties, especially fat distribution, create varying SAR (specific absorption rate) levels when exposed to frequencies from 30 MHz to 3 GHz used by wireless devices.
Current SAR safety limits may not account for all body type variations. A 2008 study revealed that European and Japanese body models show different absorption patterns, suggesting that standardized limits might not equally protect all populations from electromagnetic radiation.
Yes, skin properties significantly affect how your body absorbs electromagnetic radiation from devices. Research demonstrates that different assumptions about skin characteristics in computer models lead to varying SAR calculations, impacting safety assessments for wireless devices.
SAR measurements vary because different countries use different body models and calculation methods. A 2008 study found that European and Japanese models produce different absorption patterns, partly due to varying assumptions about tissue properties and computational algorithms.