Proximus, which is part of the Belgacom (News - Alert) Group, is now indicating the specific absorption rate (SAR) of mobile phones on its new packaging.

SAR is the unit for measuring the quantity of electromagnetic energy that is absorbed by the human body when a mobile phone is used, and is expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg). The maximum authorized SAR in Europe is 2 W/kg according to the guidelines of the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection).

All mobile phones that Proximus sells comply with this European guideline. Six categories were established between 0 and 1.8 W/kg.

The indicated SAR value is the maximum value that a phone can have. The actual level of a mobile phone during use may be lower. This is because a mobile phone does not use more energy than is required to establish a connection with the network. This level is automatically adapted if the base station signal is weaker.

In general, the closer you are to a transmission mast, the less energy your phone uses.