iPhones and iPads have highest SAR of gadgets sold in South Korea

Apple’s iPhones and iPads have the highest electromagnetic radiation specific absorption rate (SAR) of electronic devices sold in South Korea, according to Choi Myung-gil of the country’s telecom committee — as noted by ZDNet. 

He said data from the National Radio Research Agency shows the average radiation SAR for iPhones was 1.166 watts per kilogram (W/kg). Samsung’s, in comparison, showed an average of 0.517W/kg, for products launched this year.

SAR is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field. For handsets, it measures the rate of absorption when placed near the ear. In the U.S. the SAR for cell phone radiation has been set by the Federal Communications Commission at a maximum of 1.6 watts of energy absorbed per kilogram of body weight.

The SARs from products of all manufacturers is steadily rising, raising health concerns, said Cho. He’s asking the South Korean government to put in more efforts to protect public health.