| If you think your cell phone's low SAR rating will keep | | | | - plus effects observed on many different systems |
| you safe from your phone's radio frequency | | | | of the body.Researchers are cautious in drawing any |
| microwave radiation, think again. Several studies have | | | | conclusions that these effects are directly linked to |
| shown that even low-intensity radiation, up to 200,000 | | | | major health problems like cancer and neurological |
| lower than existing safety standards, produces | | | | conditions. They are, however, plausible precursors to |
| biological effects.What is SAR, anyway?Specific | | | | such conditions, and some evidence suggests there |
| Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the amount | | | | may be an association. Even conservative |
| of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body | | | | researchers who have looked into these nonthermal |
| when using a mobile phone. The FCC has adopted | | | | effects express concern that this radiation is a |
| limits for safe exposure to radio frequency and | | | | "probable" cause of health problems.Given that |
| requires cell phone manufacturers to ensure that their | | | | bioeffects have been seen in exposures as low as |
| phones comply. Any cell phone at or below these | | | | 0.000021 W/Kg (Kwee study on Changes in cell cycle |
| SAR levels (that is, any phone legally sold in the U.S.) is | | | | and cell proliferation, 1997) when the FCC limit is 1.6 W |
| a "safe" phone, as measured by these standards. The | | | | Kg, the safety guidelines need to be re-evaluated. |
| FCC limit for public exposure from cellular telephones is | | | | Some scientists, for instance, are calling for a new |
| an SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). | | | | measure that would indicate the total energy absorbed |
| (You can request your cell phone's SAR information | | | | by a tissue, not just the radio frequency energy as it is |
| from the manufacturer or your carrier.)When radio | | | | with SAR.Filling the GapIn the meantime, what do you, |
| frequency energy impinges upon your body tissue, part | | | | as the consumer, do? If the whole tobacco |
| of it is absorbed and converted to heat due to ionic | | | | controversy was any indication, it could take several |
| conduction. This heat manifests itself as a temperature | | | | more years before there develops any clear |
| increase inside the tissue. Earlier on the government | | | | consensus about this issue. The everyday cell phone |
| and the industry have come to the conclusion that if | | | | user cannot afford to wait. Every time you make a call |
| this heating is below a certain level, then the radiation | | | | with your cell phone, radio frequency waves penetrate |
| level is safe.Biological Effects from Low ExposureBut | | | | into your head and potentially put your health at risk.To |
| several laboratory studies show that nonthermal | | | | address concerns of the public becoming more aware |
| (non-heating) effects, including those occurring at levels | | | | of such dangers, there has grown a market to fill the |
| way below the current SAR standards, can be | | | | need for protective solutions. Promising new |
| dangerous. During the past several years three out of | | | | technologies that have passed scientific testing are |
| four independent (non-industry sponsored) research | | | | proven to be effective in preventing biological stress |
| studies worldwide have been showing these | | | | caused by electromagnetic frequencies. Scientists and |
| nonthermal effects, which include: | | | | health professionals concerned about public health |
| - DNA damage and nonrepair | | | | recommend these scientifically validated devices and |
| - breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (allowing | | | | you ought it to yourself to investigate them.It took two |
| chemical toxins and pathogens to reach the brain) | | | | decades of study, 100 years of consumer use, and |
| - lowered immunity | | | | untold millions of casualties before the U.S. Surgeon |
| - decreased melatonin levels | | | | General's warning label was placed on cigarette packs. |
| - effects on stress proteins (indicating cell damage) | | | | A time will come when the government becomes |
| - formation of micronuclei (aberrations in cell nuclei | | | | satisfied with the voluminous data it needs to establish |
| which are often markers for cancer) | | | | the health risks of cell phone use and set new safety |
| - changes in calcium metabolism affecting | | | | standards. Until then, make sure you do not become a |
| communication between cells | | | | number in the statistics. Don't wait. |
| - changes in brainwave patterns as seen on EEG's | | | | |