#890: Children’s cellphone exposure can exceed the SAR safety limits
From Sylvie:
Life Science Weekly 20 May 2008
Study findings from E. Conil et al broaden understanding of life sciences in children
2008 MAY 20 – (NewsRx.com) — Research findings, ‘Variability analysis of SAR from 20 MHz to 2.4 GHz for different adult and child models using finite-difference time-domain,’ are discussed in a new
report.
According to recent research from Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, “This paper deals with the variability of body models used in numerical dosimetry studies. Six adult anthropomorphic voxel models have been collected and used to build 5-, 8-and 12-year-old children using a morphing method
respecting anatomical parameters.”
“Finite-difference time-domain calculations of a specific absorption rate (SAR) have been performed for a range of frequencies from 20 MHz to 2.4 GHz for isolated models illuminated by plane waves. A
whole-body-averaged SAR is presented as well as the average on specific tissues such as skin, muscles, fat or bones and the average on specific parts of the body such as head, legs, arms or torso.
Results point out the variability of adult models. The standard deviation of whole-body-averaged SAR
of adult models can reach 40%. All phantoms are exposed to the ICNIRP reference levels,” wrote E. Conil and colleagues,
(see also Life Sciences).
The researchers concluded: “Results show that for adults, compliance with reference levels ensures compliance with basic restrictions, but concerning children models involved in this study,
the whole-body-averaged SAR goes over the fundamental safety limits up to 40%.”
Conil and colleagues published their study in Physics In Medicine and Biology (Variability analysis of SAR from 20 MHz to 2.4 GHz for different adult and child models using finite-difference time-domain. Physics In Medicine and Biology, 2008;53(6):1511-25).
For additional information, contact E. Conil, France
Telecom , R&D,
38-40 rue du General Leclerc, 92794
Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.
Publisher contact information for the journal Physics
In Medicine and Biology is: IOP Publishing Ltd., Dirac House, Temple
Back, Bristol BS1, 6BE, England.
This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and
other reports. Copyright 2008, Life Science Weekly
via NewsRx.com.