Editing Specific absorption rate (section)

=== Mobile phone SAR testing ===
{{See also|Wireless device radiation and health}}
When measuring the SAR due to a mobile phone the phone is placed against a representation of a human head (a "SAR Phantom") in a talk position. The SAR value is then measured at the location that has the highest absorption rate in the entire head, which in the case of a mobile phone is often as close to the phone's antenna as possible. Measurements are made for different positions on both sides of the head and at different frequencies representing the frequency bands at which the device can transmit. Depending on the size and capabilities of the phone, additional testing may also be required to represent usage of the device while placed close to the user's body and/or extremities. Various governments have defined maximum SAR levels for RF energy emitted by mobile devices:
* [[United States]]: the [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] requires that phones sold have a SAR level at or below 1.6&nbsp;[[watt]]s per [[kilogram]] (W/kg) taken over the volume containing a mass of 1&nbsp;gram of tissue that is absorbing the most signal.
* [[European Union]]: [[CENELEC]] specify SAR limits within the EU, following [[International Electrotechnical Commission|IEC]] standards. For mobile phones, and other such hand-held devices, the SAR limit is 2&nbsp;W/kg averaged over the 10&nbsp;g of tissue absorbing the most signal ([http://webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/artnum/033746 IEC 62209-1]).

SAR values are heavily dependent on the size of the averaging volume. Without information about the averaging volume used, comparisons between different measurements cannot be made. Thus, the European 10-gram ratings should be compared among themselves, and the American 1-gram ratings should only be compared among themselves.
To check SAR on your mobile phone, review the documentation provided with the phone, dial *#07# (only works on some models) or visit the manufacturer's website.