If a Cell Phone Emits Radio Frequency, How Does the
Amount of Radiation Compare with Other Household Items?
XXXXXXXXXX
Creekland Middle School
Eighth Grade
Mrs. Rubel
If a Cell Phone Emits Radio Frequency, How Does the
Amount of Radiation Compare with Other Household Items?
Table of Contents
Page(s)
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………
1
Review of Literature ……………………………………………………………
1-3
The Experiment …………………………………………………………………
3-4
The Results ……………………………………………………………………...
4-7
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………
7-9
Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………..
10
Works Cited ……………………………………………………………………… 11
Appendix ………………………………………………………………………… 12-13
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If a cell phone emits radio frequency radiation, how does the amount of radiation compare
with other household items? The scientist hypothesized that cell phones do emit radio frequency
radiation, especially smart phones, but not as much as televisions, microwaves, and short-wave
radios. With a CellSensor gauss meter the scientist measured the radio frequency radiation of
various models and makes of cell phone, including smart phones, and other electronic devices.
The scientist discovered that cell phones do emit differing levels of RF radiation. The
testing results show that most radiation was emitted when the cell phones were actually being
called. As for the belief that smart phones would especially emit RF radiation, the scientist was
partially incorrect. The results show that the one smart phone, the Nokia Eseries e71, emitted the
most radiation of all the cell phones in all the tests, but the Apple iPhone 3GS smart phone had the
least radiation of the phones in two of three tests. The scientist also believed that the cell phones
emitted less RF radiation than televisions, microwaves, and short-wave radios. She discovered that
her belief was incorrect when the cell phones in use were compared to the other electronics while
in use. The scientist found out that the short wave radio and the television emitted very low RF
radiation readings, lower than most of the cell phones with the exception of the Apple iPhone 3GS.
The scientist was correct about the microwave emitting more RF radiation than most of the cell
phones.
Radio frequency (RF) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Radio waves and
microwaves emitting radiation by transmitting antennas is one form of electromagnetic energy
(Technology Alternatives Corporation). Radio frequency energy is considered non-ionizing ("How
Cell-phone Radiation Works"). Another way to characterize an RF electromagnetic field is "power
density.” Power density is defined as power per unit area and expressed in terms of milliWatts per
square centimeter (mW/cm2) (LBA Group).
Probably the most important use for RF energy is providing telecommunications services.
Radio and television, cell phones, radio communications for police and fire departments, and
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satellite communications are just a few of the many telecommunications applications. Microwaves
on the other hand are not telecommunication services, but they still give off RF radiation (Classic).
People are concerned about radiation because it can be easily absorbed into the body
because through objects used every day. RF radiation can affect the body. Biological effects that
are caused by RF radiation heating tissue are often referred to as "thermal" effects. It has been
thought for years that exposure to high levels of RF radiation may be harmful due to RF radiation’s
ability to heat biological tissue. This is the principle by which microwave ovens cook food
(Federal Communications Systems). The effects of RF radiation on the body has been studied by
numerous studies in the last fifteen years or so, but there has been no long term study to prove that
cell phones and other devices that emit RF radiation cause cancer or other types of ailments
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). However, many people may wish to measure the
amount of radio frequency radiation that is emitted by devices such as cell phones, televisions and
microwave ovens just to be on the safe side.
RF radiation can be measured by different types is instruments. Cell phones can be
measured by gauss meters such as the CellSensor EMF Detection Meter. The CellSensor measures
the density of power emitted by a cell phone expressed in milliWatts per square centimeter
(mW/cm²). The measurement is read on the top scale in blue markings. The meter measures RF
radiation emissions from cell phones in the "near" field--the space surrounding the phone. The
CellSensor has two levels of measurement, but the scientist chose to use the "high sensitivity"
level after conducting a bench test. The "high sensitivity" level scale is read from .01 to
1.0 mW/cm². It is operated by a 9 volt battery (Technology Alternatives Corporation).
The scientist hypothesized that cell phones do emit radio frequency radiation, especially
smart phones, but not as much as televisions, microwaves, and short-wave radios. In the
experiment the dependent variable was the amount of RF radiation emission. The independent
variable was the RF radiation emission comparison by the type of electronic device being tested
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(cell phones of different models and makes, the microwave oven, the television, and the shortwave radio). There were several control variables. The Cell Phone/EMF Detection Meter was used
to measure all of the devices. The cell phones were all measured in the same manner. The distance
of the CellSensor probe and the phone and radio were the same. All the cell phone and the short
wave radio tests were performed on a wooden table with no other electronics around. All of the
phones were fully charged before testing and the short wave radio had new batteries. The cell
phones were called by a landline phone. Most of the experiments were done at the scientist’s
house. There was an uncontrolled variable when some experiments were done at a church, so the
scientist could gain access to more phones. However, the new room at a church contained no
electronics, and the room gave no indication of RF radiation when the scientist swept the room
with the CellSensor meter. Another uncontrolled variable is the fact that the microwave and the
television (due to size and construction) could not be moved to the testing area in which the other
devices were tested.
The materials needed for the experiment were numerous. The scientist used a CellSensor
EMF Detection Meter, a wooden table, a plastic ruler, various makes and models of cell phones, a
microwave oven, a TV, and a short-wave radio to conduct this experiment.
The scientist followed the steps of the experiment methodically. She first fully charged the
phone for consistent results, and then connected the probe to the CellSensor EMF Detection Meter.
The scientist then turned on the CellSensor and set it on “high-sensitivity” level. She then set the
CellSensor and the probe on a wooden table with the probe near the red dome of the unit. The
phone was two inches away from the probe at a 180 degree angle. The scientist then recorded the
make and model of the phone. The scientist turned on the phone and recorded the radiation
emission reading. She removed the phone from the testing area, allowing excess radiation to
disperse from the area. The scientist repeated the test two more times. She afterwards placed the
phone in the same position as she did earlier. The scientist then called the phone from a landline
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phone and recorded the radiation emission reading. She then answered the phone so that it was in
“use” and recorded the radiation emission reading from the phone. The scientist turned off the
phone and removed it from the test area. The scientist repeated the test two more times. She did
this series of tests for every phone she tested.
The next steps did not follow the same procedures because the devices tested could not be
moved to the same testing surface due to their size and construction. The scientist tested the
microwave oven with the CellSensor while the microwave was on high for one minute. She
recorded the emission four inches from the door handle. The scientist recorded the emission
reading 12 inches from the door handle. She repeated the test two more times. The scientist tested
the television turned on and recorded the emission reading four inches away from the screen. The
scientist repeated the test two more times. She then recorded the emission reading 12 inches away
from the screen. The scientist repeated the test two more times. The scientist tested the short-wave
radio turned on and recorded the emission reading four inches away from the antenna. The
scientist repeated the test two more times. She then recorded the emission reading 12 inches away
from the antenna. The scientist repeated the test two more times.
The scientist first tested an Apple iPhone 3GS smart phone. The phone was tested three
times for RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the phone was
turned on. The three test results for the iPhone 3GS was .2 mW/cm², .3 mW/cm², and .3 mW/cm².
The scientist averaged the results together and determined a RF level of .26 mW/cm² for the Apple
iPhone 3GS for when the cell phone was turned on. When she tested the iPhone’s RF emission
when called by a landline phone three times, the results were .4 mW/cm² all three times, so the
average was also .4 mW/cm² for when the cell phone was called. When the scientist tested the
iPhone’s RF radiation emission when the iPhone was answered, the RF radiation emission for the
three tests was .1 mW/cm², .1 mW/cm², and .2 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the results together
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and determined a RF level of .13 mW/cm² for the Apple iPhone 3GS for when the cell phone was
answered.
The scientist then tested a Motorola PagePlus flip phone. The phone was tested three times
for RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the phone was turned on.
The three test results for the Motorola PagePlus was no radiation emission reading for two tests
and one reading of .1 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the results together and determined a RF
level of .03 mW/cm² for the Motorola PagePlus for when the cell phone was turned on. When the
scientist tested the Motorola PagePlus’s RF emission when called by a landline phone three times,
the results were 1.0 mW/cm², 1.0 mW/cm², and .4 mW/cm², so the average was also .8 mW/cm²
for when the cell phone was called. When she tested the Motorola PagePlus’s RF radiation
emission when the Motorola PagePlus was answered, the RF radiation emission for the three tests
was 1.0 mW/cm², .6 mW/cm², and .5 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the results together and
determined a RF level of .7 mW/cm² for the Motorola PagePlus for when the cell phone was
answered.
A Samsung SCH-U450 (Keyboard Slide Phone) was the next phone tested. The phone was
tested three times for RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the
phone was turned on. The three test results for the Samsung SCH-U450 were no emission readings
at all, so the average also indicated no radiation emission for the Samsung SCH-U450. When the
scientist tested the Samsung SCH-U450’s RF emission when called by a landline phone three
times, the results were .7 mW/cm², .7 mW/cm², and .6 mW/cm², so the average was .66 mW/cm²
for when the cell phone was called. When she tested the Samsung SCH-U450’s RF radiation
emission when the Samsung SCH-U450 was answered, the RF radiation emission for the three
tests was 1.0 mW/cm², .4 mW/cm², and .7 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the results together and
determined a RF level of .7 mW/cm² for the Samsung SCH-U450 for when the cell phone was
answered.
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The scientist then tested a Nokia 6085 (Flip Phone). The phone was tested three times for
RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the phone was turned on.
The three test results for the Nokia 6085 were all indicated no radiation emission reading, so the
average also indicated no radiation emission for the Nokia 6085. When the scientist tested the
Nokia 6085’s RF emission when called by a landline phone three times, the results were .9
mW/cm², 1.0 mW/cm², and 1.0 mW/cm², so the average was .97 mW/cm² for when the cell phone
was called. When she tested the Nokia 6085’s RF radiation emission when the Nokia 6085 was
answered, the RF radiation emission for all three tests was 1.0 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the
results together and determined a RF level of 1.0 mW/cm² for the Nokia 6085 when the cell phone
was answered.
A Samsung SCH-U350 (Flip Phone) was tested next. The phone was tested three times for
RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the phone was turned on.
The three test results for the Samsung SCH-U350 all indicated no radiation emission reading, so
the average indicated no radiation emission for the Samsung SCH-U350. When the scientist tested
the Samsung SCH-U350’s RF emission when called by a landline phone three times, the results
were all 1.0 mW/cm², so the average was 1.0 mW/cm² for when the cell phone was called. When
she tested the Samsung SCH-U350’s RF radiation emission when the Samsung SCH-U350 was
answered, the RF radiation emission results were .2 mW/cm², .4 mW/cm², and .4 mW/cm². The
scientist averaged the results together and determined a RF level of .33 mW/cm² for the Samsung
SCH-U350 when the cell phone was answered.
The scientist then tested a Nokia Eseries e71 (Smart Phone). The phone was tested three
times for RF radiation using the CellSensor to determine the RF emission when the phone was
turned on. The three test results for the Nokia Eseries e71 were all 1.0 mW/cm², so the average
was 1.0 mW/cm² reading for the Nokia Eseries e71. When the scientist tested the Nokia Eseries
e71’s RF emission when called by a landline phone three times, all of the results were all 1.0
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mW/cm², so the average was 1.0 mW/cm² for when the cell phone was called. When she tested the
Nokia Eseries e71’s RF radiation emission when the Nokia Eseries e71 was answered, all of the
RF radiation emission results were 1.0 mW/cm². The scientist averaged the results together and
determined a RF level of 1.0 mW/cm² for the Nokia Eseries e71 when the cell phone was
answered.
From cell phones, the scientist moved to TVs. She tested a LG 42” Class-Model: 42LK450.
The scientist tested the RF reading four inches from the screen three times. The RF emission
results were all .3 mW/cm², so the average of all three tests was .3 mW/cm². She then tested for RF
radiation 12 inches away from the screen, and all three times the result was no radiation emission
reading, so the average indicated no radiation emission as well.
The scientist then tested the microwave. The microwave was a GE Spacemaker X1800. She
measured the RF radiation while it was on high for one minute. The scientist measured with
CellSensor when the probe was four inches away from the door handle, and all three test results
were 1.0 mW/cm². Averaged together the result was 1.0 mW/cm². The scientist then measured the
microwave with the CellSensor 12 inches from the door handle and again all three results were 1.0
mW/cm². The average result was likewise 1.0 mW/cm². It was not until the scientist walked three
feet away from the microwave that the CellSensor meter dropped to a lower emission reading (.8
mW/cm²).
The scientist then tested a Radio Shack 7 Channel Short-Wave Radio/Weather Radio. The
scientist placed the CellSensor probe four inches away from the radio’s antenna and tested it. All
three times the result was .05 mW/cm², so the average was .05 mW/cm².
The scientist hypothesized that cell phones do emit radio frequency radiation, especially
smart phones, but not as much as televisions, microwaves, and short-wave radios. She discovered
that her belief that cell phones emit radiation is true; all the phones did emit differing levels of RF
radiation. The testing results show that the most radiation was emitted when the cell phones were
Franchini 8
actually being called. The scientist thought that more radiation would be detected when being
turned on because she thought more energy was being used to turn it on.
As for the belief that smart phones would especially emit RF radiation, the scientist was
partially incorrect. The results show that the one smart phone, the Nokia Eseries e71 smart phone,
emitted the most radiation of all the cell phones in all the tests, a 1.0 mW/cm², but the Apple
iPhone 3GS smart phone had the least radiation of the phones in two out of three tests (the
exception being when the phone was turned on).
The scientist also believed that the cell phones emitted less RF radiation than televisions,
microwaves, and short-wave radios. She discovered that her belief was incorrect when the cell
phones in use were compared to the other electronics while in use. The scientist found out that the
short wave radio emitted very low RF radiation, .05mW/cm². It was lower than any other device
including the cell phones. The RF radiation reading from the television, .3 mW/cm², was also
lower than most of the cell phones with the exception of the Apple iPhone 3GS. The scientist was
correct about the microwave emitting more RF radiation than most of the cell phones. However,
the two Nokia phones had the same reading of 1.0 mW/cm², the highest on the CellSensor meter.
One uncontrolled variable must be mentioned here when discussing the results. The setting
of the experiment did change to a new location. The new room at a church contained no
electronics, and the room gave no indication of RF radiation when the scientist swept the room
with the CellSensor meter. It is a possibility that the data might have changed in the new location.
Another uncontrolled variable that might have changed the data is the fact that the microwave and
the television (due to size and construction) could not be moved to the testing area in which the
other devices were tested.
These results are useful to know because Americans use all of these electronics on a daily a
basis with the exception of the radio. Although research says there is no real proof so far that RF
radiation from electronics is harmful, it is good information to know. The consumer can read up on
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his cell phone ranking of radiation online or he can test it with a meter like the CellSensor. Parents
also tell their kids not to stand near a microwave or television while in use, and now the scientist
has a better understanding of why.
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Acknowledgement Page
The scientist would like to thank XXXXXXXXX for being patient and explaining things to her
throughout the whole project.
The scientist would like to thank XXXXXXXXX for being her creative inspiration.
The scientist would like to thank XXXXXXXXXXX for keeping her on track.
The scientist would like to think Mrs. Rubel for helping her with her very first Science Fair
Project.
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Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Does using a cell phone cause health problems? Can
using one cause cancer?” Radiation and Your Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2011.
<http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/cell_phones._FAQ.html>.
Classic, Kelly. “Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation.” Health Physics Society. N.p., 27 Aug. 2011.
Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://www.hps.org/hpspublications/articles/rfradiation.html>.
Federal Communications Commission. “What Biological Effects Can Be Caused by RF Energy?”
Radio Frequency Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/
rfsafety/rf-faqs.html#Q5>.
"How Cell-phone Radiation Works." How Stuff Works. Discovery Company, n.d. Web.
30 Oct. 2011. <http://www.howstuffworks.com/
cell-phone-radiation2.htm>.
LBA Group, Inc. “How is Radiofrequency Radiation Measured?” Radio Frequency RF Safety and
Antenna FAQs. N.p., 2009. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://www.lbagroup.com/associates/
rffaq.php#Q4>.
“Microwave Ovens and their Hazards.” Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. N.p.,
2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/
microwave_ovens.html>.
Technology Alternatives Corporation. CellSensor: Use’s Guide and Reference Manual. Miami:
n.p., 2008. N. pag. Print.
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Appendix
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