When it comes to buying a new cell phone, most of us focus on the latest features, camera quality, and storage capacity. However, as parents, it’s important to also consider the potential health risks associated with cell phone usage, especially for our children. The good news is that there’s now a simple tool that can help us make more informed decisions about the phones we buy for our kids.
The RF Safe Score (RSS) algorithm is a revolutionary tool that aims to provide consumers with a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with cell phone usage. The algorithm addresses several shortcomings of using Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values as the sole indicator of a phone’s radiation exposure by taking into account the thickness of the skull and the well-understood physics of microwave absorption.
One of the main shortcomings of SAR values is that they only measure the thermal effects of radiation exposure. While thermal effects are important to consider, they are not the only potential health risks associated with microwave radiation exposure. Non-thermal effects, such as DNA damage, have also been linked to microwave radiation exposure, but are not considered in SAR values.
Another limitation of SAR values is that they are based on the assumption that the radiation is absorbed uniformly throughout the entire body. However, in reality, certain areas of the body may absorb more radiation than others. For example, the head and brain are particularly susceptible to radiation exposure due to their higher water content and thinner skull. The FCC guidelines for SAR values only take into account a 2mm thick skull, which is an extremely outdated assumption and does not take into account the fact that many individuals, particularly children, have skulls that are thinner than 2mm.
The RF Safe Score (RSS) algorithm works by counting the number of thresholds surpassed for each SAR test. These thresholds are set at 50%, 75%, and 95% of the legal limit established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Each time a threshold is reached, a negative point value is applied to the overall score. Additionally, the algorithm takes into account the well-understood physics of microwave absorption, such as the dielectric constant, complex permittivity, and complex refractive index.
When buying a new phone for your child, it’s important to check the RF Safe Score (RSS) to get a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with that particular phone. The algorithm is available for free on the RF Safe website and can be used to evaluate the SAR levels of any cell phone. This way, you can make an informed decision about the best phone for your child and ensure that you’re protecting their health and well-being.
In conclusion, the RF Safe Score (RSS) algorithm is a valuable tool that can help us make more informed decisions about the phones we buy for ourselves and our children. By taking into account the thickness of the skull and the well-understood physics of microwave absorption, the algorithm provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the potential health risks associated with cell phone usage. So, before you buy your next phone, be sure to check the RF Safe Score (RSS) and make the best choice for you and your family.