How much radiation does your cellphone emit?

The recent report released by the World Health Organization that revealed that cell phones emit 'possibly carcinogenic' radiation has sent everyone in a tizzy. The report revealed that scientists have found evidence that mobile phone users showed an increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer. The new findings place phones in the same category as lead, car engine exhaust and chloroform.

Cell phones emit a type of radiation called non-ionizing radiation. It's not like an X-ray but more like those emitted by a microwave oven, which could be a lot worse since holding a cell phone to your head is like frying your brain. Aside from brain cancer, long term use of cell phones could lead to other problems like cognitive memory function.

Major cell phone manufacturers already warn consumers about holding the device away from the body when taking calls. The Apple iPhone 4 safety manual tells users to hold the iPhone at least 15 millimeters away from the body when calling or receiving data transmission. Aside from holding the phone a safe distance away from the body, users could always just text instead of calling.

If you're really worried about the amount of radio frequency energy that you absorb from your phone, CNET has done an extensive review on cell phone radiation levels. The SAR or Specific Absorption Rate measures the amount of radio frequency energy that your body absorbs from your cell phone.

Here are is a list of the ten lowest and highest cell phone radiation emitters. You'll notice that the Samsung seems to be the safest smartphone, dominating the top of the safe list. Motorola on the other hand is apparently not a safe phone to use. Check out the list and find out if you should dump your phone for another device that won't kill you with brain cancer.

Highest Radiation Levels

10. Motorola Atrix- 1.47 SAR

9. HTC Desire- 1.48

7. (tied) Motorola Droid 2 and Motorola Droid- 1.47

6. Motorola Defy- 1.52

5. Nokia Astound/ C7- 1.53

4. Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro- 1.55

3. Sony Ericsson Satio- 1.56

2. Motorola Droid 2 Global - 1.58 SAR

1. Motorola Bravo- 1.59

Lowest Radiation Levels

10: HTC Imagio- 0.498 SAR