Should SAR Guidelines Include Variability?

Variations in 1-g and 10-g specific absorption rate (SAR) values due to variation in tissue dielectric properties are determined. To accomplish this goal, stochastic finite difference time domain (S-FDTD) and Monte Carlo methods are compared. A 3D head model with variable dielectric properties is exposed to a half wave dipole antenna at 835 and 1900 MHz. The results show that these variations can significantly affect the peak 1-g and 10-g SAR values and should be considered in SAR guidelines for cell phone assessment.