Should SAR Guidelines Include Variability?

Authors: K. Masumnia-Bisheh, C. Furse

Year: 2021

Category: Electromagnetic Safety

Journal: IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (APS/URSI)

Institution: IEEE

DOI: 10.1109/APS/URSI47566.2021.9703740

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9703740

Abstract

Overview

Recent studies have raised concerns on the need for incorporating variability in Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) guidelines. This study investigates the impact of the variability in dielectric properties of tissues on SAR values, which are crucial indicators for assessing electromagnetic radiation exposure from cell phones.

Findings

  • The study employs Stochastic Finite Difference Time Domain (S-FDTD) and Monte Carlo methods to explore variations in 1-gram and 10-gram SAR values in a 3D model of a head.
  • Two frequencies, 835 MHz and 1900 MHz, were tested using these methods, showing significant variations in SAR values potentially enough to warrant a revision in current guidelines.
  • The results suggest that actual variations in tissue properties can critically affect SAR calculations, emphasizing the importance of these findings in current assessment protocols.

Conclusion

The comparative results between the S-FDTD and Monte Carlo results indicate that variability in SAR due to different tissue properties can be significant and should not be overlooked. The study recommends revisiting SAR guidelines, particularly for emerging technologies like 5G, to ensure public safety.

SAR dielectric properties electromagnetic fields health risks cell phone radiation stochastic finite difference time domain Monte Carlo methods
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