The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which permits such lenient radiation exposure from most U.S. transmitting sources, is a cheering squad for the telecommunications and broadcasting industries it is supposed to regulate. The Center for Public Integrity found that FCC officials are bribed by the industry with such perks as expensive trips to Las Vegas.24 FCC standards are based on the obsolete theory that the only risk from RF/microwave exposure is excessive heating of tissues (thermal effects). Yet there are so many documented and dangerous non-thermal effects that even the EPA has said it is time to consider non–thermal effects in updated standards. The FCC admits that its standards are based upon recommendations of organizations loaded with industry and military lobbyists—most of whom would obviously prefer NO restrictions whatever on the use of RF/microwave radiation.25 The FCC’s exposure limits are so high that no matter how much Fedgov and industry adds to our radiation burden, it will always be “within standards.”

Ditto for the FCC’s cell phone SAR guidelines. SAR quantifies radiation absorbed by the brain. SAR standards were calculated by using dummies with sugar water in their fake heads.26 A news segment on the TV news magazine 20/20 demonstrated that cell phones often exceed the grossly dangerous SAR ratings listed on their labels anyway. 27 Swedish studies show rat brain damage at SAR levels 800 times lower than those allowable under FCC standards.28

I’ve been ’smart’ shopping for a replacement phone ever since my old Samsung X426 blew a hinge. I thought of upgrading to a camera phone and I found a Samsung A436 for cheap, too bad it blew chunks for a SAR reading. I also found a nice Motorola W370 that’s styled like the RAZR, but too bad it also blew. Ah well, the Motorola didn’t have a camera and the camera on the Samsung is weak. Oddly, both these phones had minimal options and there is no need for the high SAR rating… especially on the basic Motorola.

I was going to go with the KRZR seeing how it also had a reasonably low SAR rating. The only bad thing I heard was that the front shell always gets cracked. Thus, I’ve settled on the older RZR and lucky me… it’s on the list. What I don’t get is how a more optioned phone has less SAR value than lower optioned phones, it’s time for these companies to start thinking about our health while using their products. :)

what other cell phones should I buy?

So if one wanted a cell phone with good signal strength in marginal coverage areas one would pick a cell phone with a high SAR, no?

Wow never knew that! That is rather interesting….What do you know about that Nokia phone I was looking at? Seems rather good, even though it is free with Cingular, I’d have to pay a fee with VZW if I call it quits. I do have the family plan so I can just not use my old phone and get a new number, but we got a lot of minutes that would then not be used.

To prove this is the case, turn on your phone, and then remove the battery cover. Your signal should drop.

What do you mean the antenna is the battery cover? Never knew that. Where did you hear that? I am now considering terminiating my contract early with Verizon. I am not impressed with their service lately, their customer service as been abyssmal, and the RAZR I am starting not to like anymore. I am considering to get a Nokia 6102i through Cingular.

I use bluetooth so when i talk on the phone while driving my phone is still in the pocket, so now i am frying my balls?

as for the speakers making noises, my newer phones don’t do it…just older nokias and motos did that with me, it was funny knowing when to expect a call.

And Wow Paul, your blog is really popular. 282 subscribers in Bloglines alone is no mean feat. And cool layout too btw.