Scientific Background
All mobile phone technology involves the transmission of microwave radiation which makes up part of the broader electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum includes harmless radio waves and visible light and dangerous X-rays.
One use of microwaves more familiar to us is in microwave ovens. Fat and water molecules are made to vibrate and consequently heat up, eventually cooking food placed inside the microwave oven.
The amount of microwaves used in mobile phones is much less than in microwave ovens and to date there has been no conclusive evidence linking mobile phones to any possible health issues. However, no long term studies have been carried out and there maybe a possible risk found in the future.
The easiest way to reduce the amount of microwave radiation exposed to the body is by placing the source further away. Therefore any product that utilises this fact will in theory limit the microwave dosage.
The Hulger P*Phone, by the nature of its design, places the attached mobile phone further away from the body and therefore should reduce the amount of microwave exposure.
Introduction
A simple microwave probe can be used to detect microwaves arriving from all directions. This can be attached to a multi-meter that will measure a very small current generated by the microwaves.
Maximum current is usually generated when making a call from a mobile phone.
Apparatus
Unilab microwave probe, Caltek multi-meter CM2400T, Nokia 3330, connecting insulated copper wires and measuring tape.
Method
From initial testing it was found that the current generated by a mobile phone fluctuated greatly during calling. Therefore it was decided that the maximum reading indicated for a fixed time period should be taken. The same number was dialled for all readings.
First, readings were taken without the Hulger phone attached at two distances 1cm and 25cm away from the probe. Five separate readings were taken and an average value obtained.
Then the Hulger was attached and the measurements were repeated at the same distances away from the probe.
Results
Mobile Only
|
Maximum Reading/ µA (±
0.5µA) |
Distance/cm (± 0.5cm) |
|
816 |
1 |
|
402 |
1 |
|
342 |
1 |
|
755 |
1 |
|
896 |
1 |
|
Average =
642.2 |
|
|
157 |
25 |
|
197 |
25 |
|
111 |
25 |
|
47 |
25 |
|
40 |
25 |
|
Average =
110.4 |
|
With Hulger Attached
|
Maximum Reading/ µA (±
0.5µA) |
Distance/cm (± 0.5cm) |
|
37 |
1 |
|
74 |
1 |
|
11 |
1 |
|
15 |
1 |
|
14 |
1 |
|
Average =
30.2 |
|
|
28 |
1 |
|
30 |
1 |
|
46 |
1 |
|
67 |
1 |
|
68 |
1 |
|
Average =
47.8 |
|
It is evident from these results that using the Hulger exposes the person to approximately 5% of the microwave radiation when only 1cm away. There is also some evidence that the Hulger itself blocks some of the microwave radiation. The mobile phone was 25cm away when the Hulger was 1cm away from the probe but the radiation level was less than half measured without the Hulger attached.
Conclusions/Evaluation
Using the Hulger phone significantly reduces the level of microwave radiation. These results should be easily replicated for all makes and models of mobile phone.