Swiss German television channel, DRS, tests mobile phones

New measurement standards show that mobile phones emit more radiation than was previously thought Keystone Archive

The Swiss German television show, Kassensturz, has tested radiation levels emitted by nine of the world's most sold mobile phones. According to its results, some phones give off more radiation than was previously thought.

To conduct its investigation, Kassensturz sought the help of Niels Kuster, a leading expert on cellular phones. Kuster is a pioneer in the field of radiation measurements, and helped establish internationally recognized norms.

Even though the radiation levels were below the legal limits, Kuster says this is still far too high.

But things could change soon, as companies have decided to declare radiation levels on their products starting this year, using health to promote sales.

Indeed, mobile phones are thought to affect brain-cell activity. They are also suspected of causing brain cancer.

Among the phones tested was Nokia’s 8210 model. It was discovered that it emits twice as much radiation as was previously thought.

Motorola’s V2288 came out with the best result in the test, emitting only half the radiation of the Siemens’ C35i. The Ericsson T28, like the Siemens appliance, got a bad write-up.

During its investigation, Kassensturz also discovered that one in three mobile phones had a poor reception.

swissinfo with agencies