How much radiation does your cellphone emit?

A list of cellphone radiation emission rates shows there is a wide gulf between the best and worst performing handsets. However, there’s very little difference between the levels of the 10 worst handsets.

The list comes from data in a report by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research body. The report has prompted a Senate hearing today which will look into its proposals that handsets be labeled with their emission levels.

The emission rates are listed by the radiation in watts absorbed per kilogram of human tissue. There’s a significant difference between the best rated handset, the Samsung Impression (0.35W/kg) and the worst, T-Mobile’s MyTouch 3G (pictured), the Motorola MOTO VU204 and the Kyocera Jax S1300, all of which are at 1.55W/kg, almost five times greater.

It’s worth noting that in all cases, the listed figures are the maximum level of emissions for a handset, which may only apply when using particular feature.

As the Federal Communications Commission allows a maximum emission level of 1.6W/kg, all the handsets are within the legal limits. However, the EWG warns that these limits do not take account of the fact that children have thinner skulls than adults and are thus more susceptible to radiation.

One particularly striking aspect of the list is that the worst-rated phones are at almost identical levels, with 16 handsets having 1.5-1.55W/kg. One would hope that’s simply a coincidence caused by similar types of handset technology rather than manufacturers doing just enough to stick within the limits rather than doing everything possible to cut emission levels.

The EWG has issues some safety tips for users concerned about radiations. While some are fairly obvious such as using headsets or speakerphones and preferring texting to talking, the group also points out that cellphones operating in areas with a poor signal are more likely to emit higher levels of radiation, as are those with antenna shields or keypad covers.

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