Specific absorption rate (SAR) value of mobile phones: An awareness study among mobile users

Abstract

Background: Mobile phone is an inevitable part of one’s life. Once been luxury has now become necessity. It’s been used by all age group people for different application apart from calling and texting. But while using cell phone for talking or being connected to someone the user gets exposed to harmful Electro Magnetic Radiations. The exposure rate to these radiations vary from handset to handset. When cell phones are used in close proximity to human body, the radiations emitted from cell phones penetrate deep inside the human skin. Penetrated radiations produce induced electric field inside the body, resulting in absorption of power, which can be analyzed using a parameter called Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). But still one question arises in mind that are people really aware of Safety standard especially SAR value. What does SAR value mean? It is defined as the power absorbed per mass of tissue and has units of watts per kilogram (W/kg) and in a way defines safety range of mobile handset. Aim & Objective: To measure the knowledge and awareness of SAR value of handset and the factors that influence awareness of SAR value. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study based on primary survey. Methods and Material: The study subjects comprised of individuals that visited the study site over a period of 18 months their awareness on SAR was assessed using a a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to record the responses on awareness of SAR values. Statistical analysis: Simple data analysis techniques were adopted such as descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 738 respondents only 12 (1.63%) were aware about SAR value and only 9 (1.22%) knew the SAR value of their handset. Conclusions: There is a need to create awareness about SAR.