Results from a University of York study showed using hands-free headsets reduce cell phone radiation by as much as 47%. The study, part of the UK's Mobile Telecommunications Health Research program, concluded that radiation was cut by nearly half when using a wired hands-free kit running up from the torso, rather than directly talking on a phone against the head.
Dr. Stuart Porter, from the Department of Electronics at the University of York said, "The previous work on measuring the effect of hands-free kits was inconclusive and their methodology was not subjected to scrutiny by independent academics."
"From our perspective, we are not saying use hands-free kits because mobile phones are unsafe, but if people are concerned about potential risks there may be some value from a precautionary approach."
By using a model human head containing a liquid, which measured the specific absorption rate (SAR), Dr. Porter and his colleagues used seven cell phones and probes to measure the electrical currents created by wires from the hands-free kits.
Conflicting reports in the past have suggested that using a hands-free headset may increase emissions to the brain, while others have concluded the opposite.
"These results show that hands-free kits reduce SAR values," said Dr. Michael Clark, member of the National Radiological Protection Board. "Some results reported in 2000 claimed that SARs were increased by hands-free kits. This was hard to fathom at the time, and this work from York refutes that finding."
This is good news for me. I was somewhat confused when my friends mentioned using a handsfree was counterproductive... supposidly turning your head into the antenna!
2. Posted by C5
Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:22 pm
I had been told that the Bluetooth earpiece gave off harmful radiation so got rid of it and got a corded headset and then I was told the wired unit gave off even more radiation so I am happy to find this report that resolves the issue by quoting a study that shows the wired headset giving less radiation.
3. Posted by McGirk
Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:28 am
Bluetooths likely give off radiation, but the transmitter in a Bluetooth is much weaker then the one in your phone.
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