STANDARD ABSORPTION RATE (SAR)

• The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which radio frequency (RF) energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to an RF electromagnetic field.
• It is defined as the power absorbed per mass of tissue and has units of watts per kilogram (W/kg).
• SAR is usually averaged either over the whole body, or over a small sample volume (typically 1 g or 10 g of tissue).
• The value cited is then the maximum level measured in the body part studied over the stated volume or mass.
• SAR levels vary depending on the type of device, the frequency of the RF energy, and the distance between the device and the body.
• For example, SAR levels are higher for mobile phones that are held close to the head than for mobile phones that are held at a distance.
• SAR levels are also higher for devices that operate at higher frequencies. For example, SAR levels are higher for 5G devices than for 4G devices.

 3. Importance of Maintaining Specific Absorption Rate

• SAR is important because it is a measure of the potential for RF energy to heat the human body.
• Heating of the body can lead to several health effects, including discomfort, burns, and even cancer.
• However, it is important to note that SAR is not a measure of the actual health effects of RF energy.
• The actual health effects of RF energy depend on several factors, including the frequency of the radiation, the intensity of the radiation, and the duration of exposure.

• The Standard Absorption Rate (SAR) in India is 1.6 W/kg, averaged over a mass of 1 gram of tissue.
• This is the same limit as in the United States and other developed countries.
• The SAR limit in India is set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoC&IT).
• The DoT tests SAR levels of mobile phones before they are allowed to be sold in India.
• Mobile phone manufacturers must also display the SAR value of their phones on the phone's packaging and in the user manual.
• This is so that consumers can make informed decisions about the phones they buy.
• While SAR limits are established to ensure safety, users should follow precautionary measures, such as using hands-free devices, minimizing the duration of calls, and maintaining some distance between the mobile phone and the body to further reduce RF exposure.

5. The Way Forward

SAR is an important measure of the potential health risks of mobile phone radiation. While SAR limits are established to ensure safety, users should follow precautionary measures to further reduce their exposure to RF radiation. It is also important to note that SAR is not a measure of the actual health effects of RF energy. More research is needed to determine the long-term health effects of mobile phone radiation.