The truth about cell phone radiation during charging

Many videos show the radiation emitted by cell phones when they are connected to a charger: but is this really the case?

In August 2022, several videos circulating on social media suggested that cell phones emit more radiation when they are connected to a charger. These videos, shared on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, feature voltage sensors measuring what is claimed to be increased radiation from phones while charging compared to when they are unplugged.

However, although these videos do not appear to be doctored, they are misleading. Experts like Andrew Wood from Swinburne University of Technology and Eric Yeatman from Imperial College London explain that any electrical device plugged into a power outlet can trigger a voltage sensor, not just cell phones.

Wood points out that any cable connected to the power grid can produce a similar result. Yeatman adds that a phone charger converts dangerous mains voltage into low-voltage direct current, generating only a small amount of frequency detectable by a voltage sensor, which is generally harmless.

While there is no conclusive evidence that cell phone use causes cancer, it is known that phones use radiofrequency (RF) radiation to send signals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this type of radiation is non-ionizing and has not shown definitive evidence of adverse biological effects other than tissue heating.

It’s advisable to reduce time spent on phone calls

A 2019 study assessed the effect of battery charge on the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones, finding that power density varies depending on how and when the phone is used.

The highest levels of electromagnetic wave emissions were observed during phone calls when the battery was at 1% charge and while the phone was charging. A 2018 study also found that cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range between 880 and 2200 Hertz, which can be absorbed by the human body.

Generally, 2G, 3G, and 4G cell phones emit radiation in the range of 0.7 to 2.7 gigahertz (GHz), while 5G phones are thought to emit up to 80 GHz. However, these frequencies all fall within the non-ionizing spectrum, which is low frequency and low energy.

To reduce exposure, experts recommend limiting the time spent on phone calls and using hands-free devices when possible, especially in areas with poor reception.

Source: Snopes.com