Dosimetry and Temperature Aspects of Mobile Phone Exposures

Dosimetry is a fundamental aspect of the assessment of mobile phones. Dosimetric results are indeed important in the evaluation of possible hazards deriving from exposure, in epidemiological studies, and in the development of exposure guidelines. Dosimetric assessments can be carried out either numerically or experimentally; both techniques have typical advantages and drawbacks, so it is possible to state that only the combined evaluation of results obtained by using both techniques can lead to conclusions that can be considered definitive. In this Chapter the topic of numerical dosimetry is presented in some detail, although there are some references to experimental dosimetry to illustrate the needs of numerical investigations identified in experimental studies used for testing compliance of mobile phones with exposure guidelines. Numerical dosimetry requires the use of detailed anatomical models of the human head for the case of mobile phones used in a conventional manner, or of the human torso for the case of mobile terminals of different kinds of communication systems that are becoming more and more widespread and that make use of modern technologies (body-worn devices). Moreover, detailed models of the mobile phone are required, taking into account not only the adopted antenna, but also the case and internal components of the apparatus.