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Signal Boosters, Wireless Amplifier

Are Cell Boosters Dangerous?

10/25/16

The name cell booster alone leads people to believe they are more powerful than a traditional cell phone and thus must emit greater levels of radiation. This, however, is not true. Yet due to questionable studies that have linked cell phone radiation to cancer and other health maladies in recent years, a common question remains: Are cell boosters dangerous?

Cell signal boosters and amplifiers typically emit considerably less radiation than a cell phone. In fact, the energy from a cell phone booster is thousands of times less than the limits for safe exposure set by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other regulatory agencies. A cell phone booster is no more dangerous than your actual cell phone.

To further emphasize how little radiation cell boosters emit, a typical mobile phone uses 500mW – 1000mW of power and many repeaters use as little as 10mW of power. Even more, radiation emissions from cell boosters diminish significantly as you move away from it. Even as close as a one-meter distance from the booster, radiation readings can be up to 30% lower than they are on the booster itself.

All of this adds up to a safe option to improve cell signal in your home or business.

What Does a Cell Booster Do?

A cell phone booster has three main components – an external donor antenna, an amplifier unit, and an internal antenna. Cell signal boosters add an advantage or power to the signal reception in different directions. Their purpose is to catch the signal from the cellular tower and amplify it around your office or facility in order to provide better reception or better signal. The higher the decibel rating of a cell phone booster, the greater the area of coverage it provides.

Cellular signal boosters rebroadcast cellular signals within the building or other structure in which they are located. They receive the strongest signal in the area using an external donor antenna, amplify it with the help of an amplifier unit, and distribute the amplified signal internally using an internal antenna.

Are Cell Phone Boosters Safe?

Although some people believe that cell boosters are dangerous and emit greater levels of radiation compared to a traditional cell phone, the opposite is true. Cell signal boosters emit considerably less radiation than a cell phone, and they keep harmful radiation away from the user.

When they have a weak signal, cell phones struggle to uphold a constant link and increase the power they use, which results in the increased production of radiation. However, by improving the signal strength from cell towers, cell signal boosters reduce the power from the cell phone antenna. The phone doesn’t have to use that much energy as it would without a signal booster, which means less radiation is emitted. As you can see, signal boosters keep radiation away.

How Much Radiation Do Cell Boosters Emit?

Emissive power of a mobile repeater is typically less than 1 watt. Cell phone boosters can actually reduce the amount of radiation emitted by your cell phone. When a cell phone has weak signal, your cell phone will use more energy seeking a strong signal, causing it to output more radiation than it does with good signal strength.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified RF (radio frequency) radiation from things like cell phones, cell boosters, and Wi-Fi as class 2B possible carcinogens. While this may sound serious, and potentially unsafe, other items that fall into that category include coffee, pickled vegetables, and Styrofoam cups. There’s no consistent evidence that the mentioned devices increase the risk of cancer.

Cell phone signal boosters, computers, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, and other devices emit a type of radiation generally viewed as harmless by any means – so-called non-ionizing EMF radiation. Unfortunately, some people think it is dangerous because they confuse it with the other type of radiation-ionizing EMF – found in UV rays, gamma rays, and X-rays. Ionizing EMF radiation can damage your cells and DNA and is thought to be able to cause cancer.

How to Minimize the Risk of Radiation Exposure?

Due to the increased reliance on cell phones and other wireless devices, taking some precautionary measures to minimize the risk of radiation may be a good idea. Here’s what you can do:

  • Take breaks or shut off the WiFi connection when you are not using it. Taking breaks from using smart devices to allow your body and mind to recover may be beneficial. Shutting off your WiFi connection when you don’t plan to use it for some time, especially when sleeping, is also a wise idea.
  • Reduce the use of smart appliances. Spending a few hours a day on your phone or computer with WiFi may put you at higher risk compared to someone who uses these devices several minutes a day. Our suggestion is to cut down on the use of smart appliances.
  • Keep your phone in airplane mode while sleeping. You should avoid sleeping with a cell phone close to your body unless it is in airplane mode.

Cell Boosters & Amplifiers From Atlantic Technology Group

At Atlantic Technology Group, we are very conscious of the products we sell – only offering industry-leading products and equipment. With high-quality brands such a Cel-Fi (Nextivity), WilsonPro, SureCall, Corning Mobile Access, and more.

Our entire selection of cell boosters, amplifiers, and repeaters more than meet the minimum requirements set forth by the FCC for safe operation around humans and animals.

Many of our models also offer standby mode, allowing the products to emit virtually no energy except when they are in use–further reducing radiation emission.

Have More Questions?

If you have additional questions about the safety of cell boosters, amplifiers, and repeaters, or are interested in having one installed in your home or business in the Mid-Atlantic, call Atlantic Technology Group today.