Droid and Nexus One "push edge" of radiation safety limits

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that at least four recently launched smartphones emit some of the “highest radiation” on the market.

According to the EWG, Motorola’s Droid, RIM’s Blackberry Bold 9700, LG’s Chocolate Touch and HTC’s Nexus One are “pushing the edge” of radiofrequency radiation safety limits set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 


“A number of health agencies around the world advise people to reduce exposures to cell phone radiation, driven by recent studies raising questions about the safety of this radiation, particularly for children,” explained Jane Houlihan, senior VP for research at Environmental Working Group. 



“That’s why it’s essential for consumers to have radiation output information before they purchase phones for themselves and their families.”

Houlihan noted that recent studies suggest increased risk for brain tumors among people who have used cell phones for at least 10 years.

However, she emphasized that 2010’s offerings weren’t all bad news, as three new phones – Motorola Brute, Pantech Impact and Samsung Mythic – emitted “significantly less” radiation than their above-mentioned counterparts.

“Scientists around the world are conducting studies to address the outstanding questions on human health effects of radiofrequency radiation. In the meantime, EWG recommends that cell phone users buy phones with low emissions. [You may also want to] use a headset or set the phone on speaker, and text rather than talk,” added Houlihan.