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The secrets behind mobile phone SAR standards: Why do different countries have different limits?
Handheld mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. However, the impact of radio frequency (RF) radiation on human health has become a focus of widespread discussion. Generally speaking, the energy absorption rate emitted by a mobile phone is called the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is an indicator that quantifies the rate at which human tissue absorbs radio frequency electromagnetic field energy, and the unit is watts per kilogram (W/kg). However, there are obvious differences in the SAR standards for mobile phones in different countries. Why is this?
"SAR is mainly used to evaluate the energy absorption rate per unit mass of human tissue when exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields."
SAR standards are set by government agencies in each country based on scientific research and health risk assessments, but different measurement methods and standards result in different restrictions in different countries. For example, according to the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, the SAR value of mobile phones must be less than 1.6 W/kg, while in Europe, according to the specifications of the European Committee for Standardization (CENELEC), the SAR limit for mobile phones is 2.0 W/kg. These differences have led to much discussion about whether the different standards are justified.
Why are there different SAR standards?
SAR limits in different countries reflect their respective health policies and risk assessments. The U.S. standards are based primarily on short-term biological studies, while the European standards are more relaxed and take into account the degree of response of different human tissues.
“Current studies have shown that different test methods and their sampling volumes can affect SAR measurement results, making it difficult to directly compare standards from different countries.”
For example, India adopted the US SAR limits in 2012, but that doesn't mean all phones meet the health standards. Because Indian regulators also conduct random inspections and use government-run telecom engineering centers to conduct compliance tests. In addition, India stipulates that all mobile phones must have a hands-free mode to reduce the impact of radiation on the human body.
Testing process and mechanism
The SAR test of a mobile phone is usually carried out by placing the mobile phone on a simulated human body model (i.e., "SAR shadow"). The test position is selected where the received signal is the strongest, mainly near the mobile phone's antenna. This testing process needs to involve different usage locations and communication frequencies to ensure the comprehensiveness of the test.
Medical impact and social feedback
Although SAR standards vary from country to country, many experts still question the reliability of SAR values. Some medical experts point out that the human body's sensitivity to certain frequencies and power peaks has not been fully considered. Studies have shown that a certain microwave auditory effect can also have an impact at levels lower than the SAR standard set by the government.
"Under long-term environmental exposure, the whole-body average SAR standard for the public is set at 0.08 W/kg to ensure human health."
Such standards will undoubtedly guide future discussions in an environment where many high-tech and portable devices are becoming increasingly popular. The US FCC has pointed out that the most effective way for users to reduce radiation when using mobile phones is to use speakers or hands-free accessories. Such measures will be more important for the absorption of RF energy than the SAR differences between mobile phones.
SummaryIn the face of a constantly changing technological environment, reasonable and effective SAR standards should be formulated to protect the health of consumers. This also requires more international cooperation and scientific discussion in order to timely adjust and improve existing regulations. To this end, what we need to consider is: How can we find a balance to ensure the health and safety of users in the rapidly developing technology industry?
