Specific absorption rate (SAR) Summary

What is specific absorption rate (SAR)?

• When using electronic devices (mobile phones, computers, microwave ovens), invisible electromagnetic waves are generated. These waves can be absorbed by human or animal bodies; the specific absorption rate (SAR) is a numerical expression of these absorbed waves. SAR refers to the amount of radio wave energy absorbed in unit mass of human body (1kg or 1g); units are W/kg or mW/g.

Meaning of specific absorption rate (SAR)

• When the human body is exposed to low frequency (1Hz-100KHz) electromagnetic waves, the current induced in the body irritates the nerves. Exposure to high frequency (100KHz-10GHz) electromagnetic waves causes a heating reaction which increases body temperature. Electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones are of high frequency, thus capable of body temperature increase; such heat reactions are expressed quantitatively by the specific absorption rate (SAR). Korea´s standard is 1.6W/kg, which is stricter than the internationally recommended standard (2W/kg); the U.S. applies the same standard as Korea. This safety standard of 1.6W/kg is set 50 times stricter than the possible expected hazard level. The SAR measurement for mobile phones follows RRA Note 2010-45 (measurement standard and method for SAR); sale is only authorized if the measured values satisfy the standards.

Difference between SAR certification test values and SAR values during real-world calls

• During SAR testing for certification, measurement is performed at maximum output. However, during real calls, minimum output required for communication with the base station is used, thus the output is much lower than that during the test. Therefore, the SAR value during normal calls is much lower than that during mobile phone certification testing. The SAR value canvary widely during real-life mobile phone calls due to the way of holding the phone and the distance from and characteristics of the base station; such difference in SAR value during everyday calls is much larger than the difference between mobile phone models from different manufacturers.

How to find the phone's model number from a phone in use

• The model number of a phone in daily usage can be found in the "Information" field of the phone's menu, on the back of the phone or by removing its battery.
  Ex) Samsung (SCH-B850), LG (LG-F100L), Pantech (IM-A600S), Apple (A1303), etc.