SAR : Things you need to know

What is SAR ?

SAR stands for specific absorption rate which is a measure of power our body absorbs per mass of tissue when it is exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic field. It can also be expressed as rate at which energy is absorbed per mass of the tissue. SAR value is expressed in W/kg.

What you should know ?

There is confusion and fear among people regarding the concept of SAR and in this article I have tried to put some insights to this topic. As we know all the telecommunication services be it radio, TV, wi-fi or mobile phones use electromagnetic waves to transmit information. The part of of electromagnetic spectrum that is used for this purpose is non-ionizing in nature. Ionizing radiations such as x-rays and gamma rays are harmful to human body as they have capability of removing electrons from atoms inside our body and ionize them which further can break molecule bonded atoms and form free radicals. To sum up it can damage DNA and could result in its mutation.

However non-ionizing radiations are not as harmful but they have ability of heating body tissue rapidly when exposed in high levels. While being on a phone call for prolonged period of time you might have noticed this heating effect. Normal heating is checked by blood flow in our body which helps in its dissipation. However exposure to high frequency radiations above threshold levels for long duration can result in very rapid body temperature increase that our body is unable to dissipate it resulting in tissue damage or even a heatstroke. You don't have to worry, mobiles phones do not emit as much radiations.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) says

"Acute and long-term effects of HF exposure from the use of mobile phones have been studied extensively without showing any conclusive evidence of adverse health effects."

What we can do?

• Reduce the time spent on phone calls as longer call means extended exposure. Use hands free or loud speakers instead.


• Minimize the usage when you are in low signal area and base stations (network tower) are very distant. Mobile phones tend to emit more radiation in a low signal to improve perception resulting in higher exposure. Also avoid using mobile phone while you are in a lift.


• Buy a mobile with lowest value of Max SAR. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC),USA limit for public exposure from cellular telephones is a SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). In India Maximum SAR limit is set to be 1.05 W/kg. You can check your current mobile SAR value using this USSD code *#07#.


• Keep you phone away while you sleep.


• Turn off 3G/4G, wifi and nfc while not in use.


• Do not allow children to use mobile.


• If your work require lot of calling than using an anti radiation chip is a way to reduce the radiation exposure to huge extent. Callmate Anti Radiation Sticker is one of options.

I hope that you have found this information useful if you want to add something and have some questions to ask than leave a comment below. You can also subscribe to our news letter to get latest posts direct to email inbox.