ANALYSES OF SOME CALL FACTORS AFFECTING SAR LEVELS OF GSM MOBILE PHONES USED IN GHANA

In response to mounting radiofrequency health concerns, this study was constituted to provide critical scientific data and assess any potential exposure from global system for mobile communication mobile phones. Specific absorption rate (SAR) from phones approved by the regulator and untested/unapproved phones were measured with a ComoSAR system. The maximum 10 g SAR (0.51 W/kg) and 1 g SAR (0.99 W/kg) measured were 25 and 62% of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and Federal Communication Commission limits, respectively. The approved phone produced statistically significant higher SAR values relative to the untested phone. SAR values of the right ear were relatively higher. All maximum SAR values were recorded on the right ear. The regulatory approval status of the phone, phone's orientation to the head, operating frequency channel and in which ear (right or left) the phone is used influenced the SAR measured. The SAR values of the approved phone compared favourably with similar studies while the unapproved phone does not.