[TowerTalk] CELL PHONES

[Craig Clark]

FROM SOMEONE IN THE INDUSTRY, AGAIN, FWIW

>From: "Durham, Marty" <mdurham@cerulean.com>
>To: "'nx1g@monad.net'" <nx1g@monad.net>
>Subject: RF Radiation hazards...
>Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 12:18:27 -0500
>X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21)
>
>Being that I just went through a training session at Metricom...had to pass
>a test and get a certification that 'allows' me to work at RF sites with the
>full understanding of the hazards therein...
>
>IR vs. NIR
>
>IR (ionizing radiation) starts around the X-ray band (wavelength) if you
>will and anything higher in frequency is inclusive...IR causes damage at the
>cellular level and is cumulative in it's effects on human tissue...hence the
>need to keep track of X-ray exposures etc..  This is documented and proven
>in medical journals...
>
>NIR (non-ionizing radiation) covers everything up-to roughly the X-ray
>band...  The major 'danger' from NIR (as has been documented) is Tissue
>'heating'.  This occur's when in close proximity (the 'danger zone' for most
>commercial antennas...power levels not withstanding...is roughly 6') to the
>radiating element.  There are a number of variables that can affect 'how
>much' RF one can be exposed to including the WX...i.e.  in the summer when
>the body is already warm an allowable exposure time will be less than for
>the same person in winter conditions...likewise someone who has been working
>vigorously and has warmed the core temp of the body has a more limited
>exposure interval than someone at rest.
>
>NIR critical frequency ranges from 30-300 MHz...because the wavelength to
>body size's are roughly proportional...also depending whether the body is
>'grounded' or 'free space'.  But in any event the range to beware of is
>30-300MHz.
>
>Also, because the issue is heating, NIR is NOT a cumulative type exposure.
>
>Finally...this is a subjective observation...I held my RF monitor (yes we
>were assigned those at Metricom...it covered up to 2.4GHz if I remember
>correctly) on the antenna of the cell phone...and 'nary a peep.  Yes I know
>it's subjective...but it is what OSHA is currently using for a 'standard'.
>
>Bottom line is I feel fine...fine...fine...fine...oop's using my cell phone
>for extended periods of time.  Of course I now have a headset and external
>antenna for it in the car...too!!!  :)
>
>MD

73 Craig Clark W1JCC

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