Mobile phone radiation within limits

A survey of some of the world's most popular cell phones found they emit radiation well below agreed limits and largely in line with the data published by manufacturers, a Finnish regulator's study showed.The survey by Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority Finland (STUK) covered 12 models made by the world's top handset makers, including Finland's Nokia, Motorola of the U.S. and South Korea's Samsung. The publication comes at a time when global demand for mobile phones is booming but concern also is rising among consumers and some in the scientific community that mobile phone use can lead to problems ranging from headaches to tumours. Mobile phones are essentially tiny radios that send and receive signals over the airwaves. All models tested showed the radiation emitted, or the specific absorption rate (SAR), was well below the agreed level in Europe of two watts per kilogram. What is encouraging is that these tests and those of the manufacturers are largely in line with each other, which sets and verifies radiation safety standards. All levels are below two watts per kilogram, which is very important. The study did not look at possible harmful effects of the radiation. Despite worries about possible negative health effects of mobile phone use, various studies over the past few years have proved inconclusive. There is no scientific evidence that second-generation mobile phones cause brain tumours. Previous research did show that radio signals emitted from third-generation mobile base stations can cause headaches and nausea. There are scattered results of some tests showing effects on cells etc. but there is no good evidence that would give cause for worry. The researchers aim to test 20 more models this year and by end of the year will have tested over half of all phones commonly used in Finland, one of the world's most mature mobile markets.