Specific Absorption Rate [SAR] is a reliable measure of its ability to cause cell damage and is a way of measuring the quantity of radiofrequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body. 


The LOWER the SAR level of a mobile phone, the better for you!


Questions have been raised about whether SAR emissions are lower or higher when a handsfree headset is used with a wireless phone.

There are a few reports that deal with this:


Which? Magazine Handsfree Report (11/2000)
There is currently no agreed international standard for testing mobile phone hands-free kits. However, Which? found that while some kits reduce SAR levels, others increase it. Ferrites in headsets will reduce SAR levels.  
[Full Details]



Plantronics Handsfree Report (11/2000)
Plantronics is a maker of handsfree headsets. They commissioned an independent study from Aprel Laboratories to test the SAR of Plantronics mobile headsets and showed that Plantronics headsets reduce SAR levels to virtually zero. 
[Full Details]



FDA/UK DTI Handsfree Reports (5/2000 & 11/2000)
Studies done by headset manufacturer Plantronics and governmental health regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), show that RF emissions absorbed at the head are significantly lower when a headset is used with a wireless phone. A In fact, the FDA recommends hands-free devices as an option for people concerned about the potential health risks from RF emissions. A spokeswoman for the UK Department of Trade and Industry said it had doubts about the 11/2000 Which? research because of the type and position of the measuring probe used and because of the liquid inside the test dummy's head.