RadiCover's testing and documentation carried out based on realistic everyday use
RadiCover’s testing and documentation of the products’ anti-radiation capabilities are performed in a way that takes into account how mobile phones are used in daily life, as well as the fact that a mobile phone’s transmission power (radiation) adjusts according to the current signal strength from the cell towers. An independent expert in mobile signals and antennas from Aalborg University has reviewed RadiCover’s documentation and tests and states: “that the RadiCover anti-radiation mobile cover for the iPhone 6 used in the test appears to work and reduce the SAR value without significantly affecting the specifically tested phone’s transmission power.”
So what does that mean?
In short, this means — and confirms — that the reduction in mobile radiation by 86% in the direction of the body and head in RadiCover’s anti-radiation mobile covers is real. This is because RadiCover, through both laboratory tests and “live tests” under natural circumstances, can document that the reduction is not “eaten up” by the phone increasing its transmission power when the cover is applied. Read:How RadiCover’s anti-radiation products work
RadiCover’s testing methods and documentation
RadiCover’s anti-radiation covers have gone through a so-called SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) test, which shows the radiation level with and without the cover on the phone. In addition — which is very important and unique — a TRP (Total Radiated Power) test has been performed, which shows the extent to which the phone’s transmission power — and thus radiation level — is affected by the cover. RadiCover’s tests in the independent accredited test laboratories CETECOM in Essen, Germany and Silicon Valley, USA, show that transmission power is only minimally affected, which was also the expert’s conclusion (see previous section).
SAR and TRP tests of RadiCover conducted at the Cetecom laboratory in California, USA.
Addressing earlier criticism...
This previously mentioned phenomenon of increased transmission power has led several media outlets to criticize RadiCover back in 2015, as this is a widespread problem with many other anti-radiation products. The problem is that these products simply “work too well” and are constructed in a way that blocks too much of the radiation (i.e., the signal). A mobile phone is designed to adjust its transmission power — i.e., radiation level — depending on the strength of the signal it receives and sends. If there is poor coverage — for example, in rural areas — the phone will automatically increase its transmission power. Conversely, it will lower the power if coverage is good — for example, in urban areas. RadiCover has accounted for this in its tests and in the construction of the products.
We at RadiCover are naturally very pleased and satisfied with the experts’ evaluation and assessment of the presented test documentation, as well as their thorough and serious review of our documentation and test materials.
New, more nuanced advice regarding anti-radiation products
We are also pleased that the Danish Health Authority has updated their recommendations and now provides more nuanced guidance, highlighting the importance of reviewing what documentation and tests are available. The authority writes, among other things:
“If you are considering purchasing such a product, you should investigate whether and how the product’s shielding effect is documented. It is important to check whether the documentation takes into account the mobile phone’s dynamic transmission power. If the test is carried out only with the phone set to maximum transmission power, the test does not provide a realistic picture of how a mobile phone is normally used.
When a mobile phone is enclosed in a material that shields radio waves, the phone will generally experience a poorer signal between itself and nearby cell towers, causing it to increase its transmission power. Unless an anti-radiation product is tested in a way that accounts for the phone’s dynamic transmission power, the product — in addition to increasing power consumption — may cause the user to be exposed to a higher level of radio waves from the phone, the opposite of the intended effect.”
Thus, anti-radiation mobile covers that are not tested using a test design like the one RadiCover uses — and which experts recommend — may do more harm than good.
Reduction may vary from one phone model to another
Even when testing is performed correctly and according to proper principles, it is important to note that results cannot be directly transferred to all phone models on the market. RadiCover is aware of this and acknowledges it by stating that our covers reduce radiation “by up to 86%”, as we recognize that there may be minor variations in reduction. The same applies to many other types of products — e.g., sunscreen vs. skin type, fuel consumption vs. driving style, etc.
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to test all mobile phones on the market and provide individual documentation for every model. However, it should be noted that most of our covers are designed specifically for Apple’s iPhone series, which is also the phone type used in our tests, and we have additionally conducted “live tests” on several other phone brands.
Good news for RadiCover’s customers
“At RadiCover, we are very pleased that the Danish Health Authority, in their recommendations regarding mobile radiation, has emphasized the importance of testing and documentation of anti-radiation covers, ensuring that they take the dynamic transmission power into account. We always strive to create the best possible products and test them using the most realistic test methods available. Specifically, we test according to thetest methodsmentioned by the Danish Health Authority on their website. Unfortunately, we operate in a market with many unserious competitors, which can make it difficult for consumers to determine what “works” and what “doesn’t work”.
We therefore hope that consumers who have previously been hesitant to buy an anti-radiation mobile cover from the Danish company RadiCover will now feel confident and protected by choosing a RadiCover anti-radiation product.”says RadiCover’s founder, Enrico Kaarsberg.
