PROJECT PURPOSE
The purpose is to investigate if a cellphone emits microwave
radiation, and to determine the level of radiation from varying
types of phones.
HYPOTHESIS
If I test the radiation level from a larger, bulkier phone, then the level
will be higher than a smaller, lighter phone.
MATERIALS
1. Various cell phone models
2. A metric ruler
3. A Microwave leakage detector
PROCEDURE
Step One: Select a cell phone model.
Step Two: Make a phone call
Step Three: Position the microwave leakage detector 5mm from the
microphone and log the measurement
Step Four: Position the microwave leakage detector 5mm from the
speaker and log the measurement
Step Five: Position the microwave leakage detector 5mm from the right
side and log the measurement
Step Six: Position the microwave leakage detector 5mm from the left
side and log the measurement
Step Seven: Repeat steps 1-6 three times per cellphone
PICTURE OF PROCESS
VARIABLES
Controlled variables
The controlled variables are the distance from the phone to the radiation detector
and the amount of time that the phone is tested.
Independent variable
The independent variable is the type of phone.
Dependent variable
The dependent variable is the amount of radiation.
IPHONE 5 DATA
SAMSUNG STRATOSPHERE DATA
MOTOROLA BARRAGE DATA
GROUPED DATA
ANALYSIS
A radiation meter and 4 different cellphones were used in my
experiment. The average radiation given off by the IPhone 5's
microphone was 0.377 curies. Its earpiece gave off 0.317 curies,
the left side of the phone gave off 0.52 curies, and the right side
gave off 0.183 curies. The average radiation given off by the
Samsung Stratosphere's microphone was 5.283 curies. Its
earpiece gave off 4.81 curies the left side of the phone gave off
4.827 curies, and the right side gave off 5.34 curies. The
average radiation given off by Verizon's Motorola barrage
microphone was 7.84 curies. Its earpiece gave off 2.553 curies,
the left side of the phone gave off 5.087 curies, and the right
side gave off 5.48 curies.
SEMI-CONCLUSION
My hypothesis was supported. The bulkier phone, the Motorola
Barrage, emitted the most radiation.
HEALTH ASPECT
Radiofrequency energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation can be categorized into two types:
ionizing and non-ionizing.
Exposure to ionizing radiation is known to increase the risk of
cancer. However, although many studies have examined the
potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation from radar,
microwave ovens, and other sources, there is currently no
consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer
risk.
HEALTH ASPECT
The only known biological effect of radiofrequency energy is heating.
The ability of microwave ovens to heat food is one example of this
effect of radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency exposure from cell
phone use does cause heating; however, it is not sufficient to
measurably increase body temperature.
A recent study showed that when people used a cell phone for 50
minutes, brain tissues on the same side of the head as the phone’s
antenna metabolized more glucose than did tissues on the opposite
side of the brain. The researchers noted that the results are
preliminary, and possible health outcomes from this increase in
glucose metabolism are still unknown.
FINAL CONCLUSION
Because the bigger, bulkier phones emit more radiation, they are
more harmful to human brain cells.