Are Mobile Phones a Hidden Health Hazard?

Are Mobile Phones Posing Hidden Health Risks?

In today's digital age, people spend increasing amounts of time on their mobile phones. Yet, few fully understand how these devices function and the potential impact they may have on human health.

Is Radiation from Phones Harmful?

One of the key concerns raised over the years is whether the electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones poses a risk to human health. Could frequent use increase the likelihood of cancer? And what steps can users take to protect themselves?

Despite decades of research, scientists have yet to reach a definitive conclusion. As a result, the debate surrounding mobile phone radiation and its health effects continues.

Mobile phones transmit information via radiofrequency (RF) waves—non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that is significantly weaker than ionizing radiation, such as X-rays. Ionizing radiation is known to penetrate body tissues, damage cells, and alter DNA structure, which can potentially lead to cancer.

However, the kind of RF waves used in mobile communication is considered non-ionizing and lacks the energy required to disrupt DNA. These waves are all around us—in signals from radio towers, microwave ovens, and more.

What Do Health Experts Say?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there is a potential increased risk of tumors in areas of the body closest to where phones are typically held, such as the head, neck, and brain. The ACS advises limiting mobile phone use as a precautionary measure.

While the RF energy from phones can slightly heat nearby tissue, it is far too weak to raise the body’s core temperature in any meaningful way, unlike a microwave oven that operates using much higher levels of energy.

Which Phones Emit the Most Radiation?

To evaluate potential health risks, scientists use a measurement called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). This metric indicates how much radiation is absorbed by the human body when a phone is in use.

Different phones emit varying SAR levels, and manufacturers are required to disclose these figures—typically available online or in the device's user manual. Despite this, most users rarely check them.

Germany’s Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has created a comprehensive database comparing older and newer phones based on their SAR levels.

Phones manufactured in China, such as those from OnePlus and Huawei, rank high on the list of devices with the highest radiation levels. The Nokia Lumia 630 also features prominently.

Other high-radiation models include:

• iPhone 7 (Rank 10)

• iPhone 8 (Rank 12)

• iPhone 7 Plus (Rank 15)

• Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact (Rank 11)

• ZTE Axon 7 Mini (Rank 13)

• Blackberry DTEK60 (Rank 14)

Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted "safe" radiation threshold for mobile phones. In Germany, however, an eco-label program known as Der Blaue Engel considers a phone safe if its SAR does not exceed 0.60 watts per kilogram (W/kg).

All the phones listed above exceed this threshold—some significantly. For example, the OnePlus 5T, which ranks at the top, has a SAR level of 1.68 W/kg.

On the other end of the spectrum, phones with the lowest radiation emissions include:

• Sony Xperia M5 (0.14 W/kg)

• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (0.17 W/kg)

• Samsung S6 Edge+ (0.22 W/kg)

• Google Pixel XL (0.25 W/kg)

• Samsung Galaxy S8 (0.26 W/kg)

• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (0.26 W/kg)

To find your device's radiation level, consult the user manual, visit the manufacturer’s website, or check with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

How to Reduce Your Exposure

Modern phones house their antennas internally, which transmit radiofrequency waves during use. These waves lose strength with distance, meaning the closer your phone is to your head, the more radiation you are exposed to.

To limit exposure:

• Reduce the time spent on calls.

• Use loudspeaker mode or earphones to keep the device away from your head.

• Use your phone in areas with strong signal coverage, as poor reception forces phones to emit stronger signals.

• Opt for models with lower SAR values when purchasing a new device.