Information on RF Emissions and SAR Testing

The issue of possible health concerns from cellular radio frequency (RF) emissions continues to be a topic of discussion among the general public and in the media. Numerous studies on this topic have already been released, and others are still underway. To date, scientific data indicates that there is no clear linkage between wireless phones and adverse health effects.

What are the standards for RF emissions?

The internationally accepted standard for measuring radio frequency absorption by human tissue is Specific Absorption Rate or SAR. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued exposure limit guidelines for all mobile phone transmissions, which, based on the scientific evidence presently available, incorporate significant margins of safety to ensure the health of the general public. All mobile phones sold in the United States must comply with the FCC's standard of a SAR reading of 1.6 watts per kilogram or less.

Has Plantronics measured SAR levels when its headsets are used?

Yes. Plantronics has commissioned studies from independent laboratories to measure the SAR levels when using Plantronics mobile headsets and wireless and cordless headset systems.

Corded Mobile Headsets

The independent studies have shown that SAR readings at the head are virtually zero when a corded mobile headset is used.

Wireless and Cordless Headset Systems

Plantronics now offers a number of cordless and wireless headsets and headset systems that carry their own power supplies, and consequently, questions have been raised about possible RF emissions. These models include the Plantronics family of Bluetooth mobile headsets and wireless headset systems. Plantronics has also commissioned SAR testing for these products, and again the findings show that the SAR levels are virtually zero.