Question : EMISSION OF RADIATIONS

(a) whether any Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value, measuring the radiation emitted by a cellphone has been fixed and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to set up any laboratory to test SAR value of cellphones and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has also identified certain mobile handsets emitting high radiations and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to finalise safety standards for mobile handsets including amendments in the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 295 FOR 28TH JULY, 2014 REGARDING “EMISSION OF RADIATIONS”

(a) Yes Madam, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Value for Mobile Handset has been fixed as 1.6 Watts per Kg averaged over a mass of 1 gram human tissue. These are effective from 01.09.2012.

(b) SAR measurement laboratory has been set up at Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) in New Delhi for testing of SAR value of mobile handsets.

(c) No such handsets have been identified so far by Department of telecommunications.

(d) Department of telecommunications has issued directions in respect of safety standards for mobile handsets, which inter-alia states -

I. All the new design of mobile handsets shall comply with the SAR values of 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 gram tissue w.e.f. 1st September 2012. However, the mobile handsets with existing designs which were compliant with 2.0 W/Kg averaged over 10 gram tissue, were permitted to co-exist up to 31st August 2013.

II. From 1st September, 2013, only the mobile handsets with revised SAR value of 1.6 W/kg are permitted to be manufactured or imported in India for domestic market.

III. SAR values are to be displayed on the handset like (International Mobile Equipment Identity) IMEI display.

IV. All the handsets sold in India shall support hands free operation.

V. Mobile handsets manufactured and sold in India or imported from other countries shall be checked for compliance of applicable SAR limits. Self declaration of Manufacturers for conformity to SAR level of mobile handsets and testing in International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) accredited labs shall continue to be enforced.

VI. Manufacturer’s booklet shall contain safety precautions.

However, No amendment in Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 specific to safety standards of mobile handsets is currently envisaged.