Microwave radiation used in household microwave ovens is designed to heat food by exciting water molecules, and it is carefully controlled to prevent harmful exposure to humans during normal use. These ovens are tested and certified to meet safety standards to ensure that they do not pose a risk to human health when used as intended.
On the other hand, mobile phones use radiofrequency (RF) radiation for wireless communication. While RF radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation similar to microwave radiation, it operates at lower frequencies and is typically non-ionizing, meaning it lacks the energy to break chemical bonds or directly damage DNA in cells.
The reason for certain regulations and precautions around mobile phones is not primarily due to the microwave or RF radiation they emit, but rather due to concerns related to the overall use of mobile devices:
Excessive Use and Distractions: Regulations and guidelines around mobile phone usage are in place to address potential issues related to excessive phone use, such as addiction, distraction while driving, or interference with certain equipment.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Limits: Mobile phones are subject to specific absorption rate (SAR) limits, which indicate the amount of RF energy absorbed by the human body when using the phone. These limits are set by regulatory authorities to ensure that the exposure to RF radiation remains well below established safety levels.
Precautionary Approach: While the scientific consensus is that non-ionizing RF radiation from mobile phones does not cause harm at typical exposure levels, some regulatory bodies adopt a precautionary approach to set safety guidelines until more long-term studies are conducted.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Certain groups, such as children and pregnant women, may be more susceptible to potential risks from RF radiation due to their developing or sensitive bodies. Hence, some guidelines may provide extra caution for these groups.
It's important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable health organizations have conducted extensive research on the safety of mobile phones and concluded that there is no consistent evidence of adverse health effects at exposure levels below international guidelines. However, research in this field is ongoing, and guidelines are periodically updated based on the latest scientific evidence.
In summary, mobile phones are regulated not because of microwave radiation itself but to address other concerns related to their use and to ensure that RF radiation exposure remains within safe limits as a precautionary measure.