10 Highest Radiation Cell Phones & How to Protect Yourself
Cell phones have become ubiquitous pieces of technology in our lives. About 96% of Americans now own at least one cellular device, if not multiple. And while we’re constantly reassured that these devices are physically safe and pose no risk of harm, cell phones and smartphones do give off a certain amount of radiation. In fact, when looking at the fine print of any cell phone user manual, you should find a warning telling you to keep your phone at least two inches away from your body at all times to avoid radiation exposure.
These potentially harmful radiation levels are measured in units called SARs, or the Specific Absorption Rate of the radiofrequency energy emitted by a device.Â
Is Cell Phone Radiation Dangerous?
Could your cell phone use be giving your body unhealthy amounts of radiation? Mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. Other digital wireless systems, such as data communication networks, produce similar radiation.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2011, mobile phones were classified as Group 2B – possibly carcinogenic (not Group 2A – probably carcinogenic). That means there “could be some risk” of carcinogenicity, so additional research into the long-term, heavy use of smartphones needs to be conducted. However, with 5 billion cell phone users worldwide (260 million alone in the U.S.) answers should probably come sooner than later.
Although no conclusive evidence has been produced, some experts, like Dr. George Carlo, former chief scientist of the cell phone industry’s $28 million safety research project, believes we could be on the verge of a major health crisis. Specifically, he believes the world could be on the precipice of 500,000 brain and other cancer cases annually, because of the proliferation – and rising power – of cell phones and smartphones.
Some health ailments that experts have already theoretically attributed to high cell phone use include increased headaches, high blood pressure, earlier onset of Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Additionally, concern for men’s health regarding cell phones has made international headlines. A meta-analysis of ten past studies, led by researchers at the University of Exeter, U.K., found a small but consistent drop in sperm quality if the men had been exposed to mobile phone radiation. While researchers found no link between mobile phone radiation and an actual drop in fertility rates, the finding could contribute to understanding the global — and still unexplained — drop in sperm count.
What’s a Safe Level of Cell Phone Radiation?
For a phone to pass FCC certification and be sold in the United States, its maximum Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR rating must be less than 1.6 watts per kilogram.Â
The SAR levels listed below represent the highest SAR levels measured with the phone next to the ear of a dummy specifically designed with fluids inside that simulate a human head. These results come from the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, (Bundesamt FĂĽr Strahlenschutz) on statista.com which conducts the most comprehensive study of cell phones based on their universal guideline or environmental friendliness standard known as the Der Blaue Engel, or Blue Angel—the SAR level they believe is safest at .60 W/kg.Â
Note that it’s possible for the SAR level to vary among different transmission bands (the same phone can use multiple bands during a call), and different testing bodies can obtain different results.
Top 10 Phones with Highest Radiation
1. Xiaomi Mi A1
SAR: 1.75 W/kg radiation
2. OnePlus 5T
SAR: 1.68 W/kg radiation
3. Xiaomi Mi Max 3
SAR: 1.58 W/kg radiation
4. OnePlus 6T
SAR: 1.55 W/kg radiation
5. HTC U12 life
SAR: 1.48 W/kg radiation
6. Xiaomi Mi Mix 3Â
SAR: 1.45 W/kg radiation
7. Google Pixel 3 XL
SAR: 1.39 W/kg radiation
8. OnePlus 5
SAR: 1.39 W/kg radiation
9. Apple iPhone 7
SAR: 1.38 W/kg radiation
10. Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
SAR: 1.36 W/kg radiation
Is Android Safer Than Apple?
This is a tricky question as Android refers to the operating system used by the phone and most cell phone and smartphone manufacturers that aren’t Apple use the Android operating system. So if we were to say based on the list above, whether Apple phones are ranked less often than Android phones, the answer would be yes.
But when judging whether a cell phone has more or less radiation, that depends on the particular model of the phone, not the phone’s operating systemÂ
How Can I Check My Phone’s Radiation Level?
Referring to the German certification’s comprehensive list is likely the best place to find your cell phone’s level of radiation. The organization has studied and published SAR values for almost every cell phone you can purchase.Â
The FCC and FDA also share regulatory responsibilities for measuring SAR levels of consumer cell phones. More information can be found here on the FCC’s website and here on the FDA’s website.
Dangers of 5G
With the advent of 5G technology being implemented across the world, concerns have been elevated over the short millimeter wave-length frequencies that will be emitted by 5G towers. Though preventing this installation of 5G seems futile, there may be ways to mitigate its effects.
In terms of 5G cell phones, most of the newest cell phones are equipped to utilize the new technology, though they aren’t necessarily more or less radiative. For more info on the potential dangers of 5G check out this article.Â
Ways to Protect Yourself from Phone Radiation
Decrease Your Screen TimeÂ
Watch how much time you spend on your cell. Try to make your calls only the most necessary ones, and when you do use it, try to follow a two-minute rule of thumb. Research has shown that a short, two-minute call can alter the natural electrical activity of the brain up to one hour.
Text More Often
Text instead when you can. Obviously, don’t try this behind the wheel or any other time you need your full attention, but when a text will suffice, send one instead of dialing.
Buy a New Cell Phone
Swap out your high radiation cell for one with the least radiation or lowest SAR level. If your phone is on the list, make the switch. It’s worth paying an extra cost in order to preserve one of the most valuable things you have: your health.
Use a Headset or Speaker
Use a headset or speaker. Right now, there isn’t enough research to determine whether using a speaker or headset, rather than your phone itself, offers better protection. But one thing is known: the electromagnetic waves emitted by your phone are absorbed most often received by the temporal lobe of your brain, during normal usage (phone to your ear), and that part of your brain handles hearing, auditory processing, the formation of long-term memory, speech, and vision.
Keep at a Distance
Keep your phone away from your body and your waist during use. Again, it’s a device that emits and transmits electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the soft tissues in your body. One study suggested that men who wear their cell phones near their waste could see their sperm count reduced by as much as one-third.
Delay Your Usage
Delay your use. If you’re using your phone without a headset, wait for your call to connect before putting it next to your ear. You can also wait until you’re able to use WiFi instead of your cellular data, as it’s less harmful.
Avoid Use in Metal Boxes
Avoid use in metal boxes. This sounds like funny advice, but using your phone in environments like an elevator or your car cuts signal strength and forces the phone to use more power to connect, which means it’s sending out even more radiation.
Avoid Weak Signal Areas
Try not to dial on a weak signal. If your cell signal is down to a few bars, consider waiting to use your phone. Again, it’s a power thing: less signal means more power is required for use.
Avoid Harmful EMFs
Shield yourself from EMFs (electromagnetic fields). You can do that by purchasing a scientifically validated EMF protection device or magnet. Doing so will strengthen your bioenergy field and immune system against the harmful effects of EMFs.
Take Your Vitamins
Support your body with proper nutrition. Think about supplementing your nutritional diet with antioxidants such as catalase, glutathione, and Coq10. You can also supplement with melatonin, Zinc, and Gingko Biloba.
About the Author
Top 10 Cleansing Foods for a Natural Detox
Feeling lethargic and constantly bloated no matter how much you exercise? It may be time to jumpstart your body and give it a fresh start with an all-natural detox. Toxins are everywhere – from household cleaners to deodorants – and they can have a negative impact on your health. From getting sick more often to never losing that last 5 lbs., toxin build-up causes your body to waste valuable energy on basic functions.
While some may say the more you sweat, the more toxins you release, this isn’t necessarily true. More exercise may help you lose weight and feel better, but toxin removal only comes when you flush your body’s system from the inside out. By substituting a few of your regular snacks with “cleansing foods,” your body will function more effectively and thank you in the long run.
Recently, detox pills and powders have become all the rage, but they’re unsustainable in the long run. They may help you lose weight fast, but your body will ultimately rebound and they may have harmful long-term effects. The key to success is working healthier choices into your daily routine until they become second nature.
Natural detox foods contain molecules that cling onto toxins and carry them out of your body. While all cleansing foods have an overall purifying effect, specific foods are extra helpful to specific areas of the body. Natural detox foods are everywhere and you might just be surprised at how tasty they can be. Take a look at our top 10 favorite cleansing foods and get your body back on track.
Beets
How they help:
Although beets have fairly high sugar content compared to other vegetables, a few beetroots can go a long way. One of our favorite natural detox foods, beets contain a group of antioxidants called betalains, which are excellent for detoxifying your body, and more specifically your liver. Beets also contain a high concentrate of betaine, which helps to reduce liver inflammation.
The antioxidants found in beets support the liver’s phase 2 cleansing when toxins are chemically transformed into a water-soluble form that can be excreted through urine. On top of this, beets are also high in immune-boosting vitamin C, vitamin B folate, fiber, potassium and manganese. Just a few benefits you might see are reduced blood pressure, reduced inflammation, enhanced stamina, and increased liver function.
How to use them:
More than just a tasty side dish, beets can be worked into your diet in a number of ways. Trying adding beet juice to your morning smoothie or as a mid-workout drink to help keep your energy up. If you want to go the more traditional route, a cup of cooked beets contains only about 60 calories and with a healthy dose of fiber, will keep you feeling full.
