Study says handset radiation 'within limits'

A survey of some of the world's most popular cell phones found they emit radiation well below agreed limits and largely in line…

A survey of some of the world's most popular cell phones found they emit radiation well below agreed limits and largely in line with the data published by manufacturers, a Finnish regulator's study showed today.

The survey by Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority Finland (STUK) covered 12 models made by the world's top handset makers, including Finland's Nokia, Motorola of the United States and South Korea's Samsung.

All models tested showed the radiation emitted, or the specific absorption rate, was well below the agreed level in Europe of two watts per kilogram.

Mobile phones are essentially tiny radios that send and receive signals over the airwaves.

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"What is encouraging is that our tests and those of the manufacturers are largely in line with each other," said Kari Jokela, a researcher at STUK, which sets and verifies radiation safety standards.

"All levels are below two watts per kilogramme, and that is very important." The study did not look at possible harmful effects of the radiation.

The publication comes at a time that global demand for mobile phones is booming but concern also is rising among consumers and some in the scientific community that mobile phone use can lead to problems ranging from headaches to tumours.