Possible Effects of Cellular Phone Radiation Chieh Wu Ashwin Krishnaswamy Steve Catino Chris Susini Kenny Watt

How many people today use a cell phone? Over 500 million people are cellular phone users Over 30 percent are under the age of 21

Reasons we use a cellular phone Business Calls Personal Calls Emergency Calls

Cellular Radiation Type of electromagnetic radiation Similar to that found in microwave ovens Measured in units of SAR

What is an SAR rating? Measured in W/kg Found in the manual Lowest in the market is 0.2 W/kg Highest allowed is 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate Measurement of radiation

Major effects of radiation Causes genetic damages in cells Precursor to cancer Increases risk of brain tumors Kills red blood cells

Minor Effects of radiation Insomnia Headaches Short-term memory loss Difficulty in concentration

Structure and function The radiation comes from the antenna During use, the antenna location determines the amount of radiation absorbed. Two types of phones –Analog –Digital

Digital vs. Analog Digital –More features –Enhanced sound quality –Lower SAR rating Analog –More availability –Cost effective –Higher SAR rating

Convenience or 21 st Century Plague? Industry response Popular opinion Current status

Research Old Research focus:  Analog Phones  Short-Term Effects  Entire Body New Research focus:  All Cell Phones  Long-Term Effects  Specific Parts of the Body  New Technology

Radiation Shield on Cell Phones Radiation Pattern Without Shield Radiation Pattern With Shield

Recommendations Choose cell phone by SAR rating Use a microphone or an earpiece Limit cell phone usage Use an RF shield (Zeropa)

SAR RATINGS OF CELL PHONES

Any questions?