"Phone Testing"

In the U.S., “companies testing a new phone for compliance with the safety limit…are permitted to position the phone up to 25 [mm] away from the body…depending on how the device is used…because testing standards were adopted in the 1990s…But people now often carry phones closer to the body…which increases their potential exposure to radiofrequency radiation.” (Roe We tested popular…) I created this work to visualize the supposed reality that current U.S. phone testing standards follow with its guidelines; that we are holding phones that float between 5mm and 25mm away from the human body. I chose to photograph a vintage phone to reference how outdated U.S. RF testing requirements are. I discuss this further in my three-page Artist Essay “U.S. FCC Needs to Bring RF Testing Requirements Into the 21st Century for the People’s Health,” which is available for viewing below.

Bainbridge, Megan. Yellow Cell. 2023. Archival pigment print (C-41 film), 8.5 in x 11 in (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Pink Cell. 2024. Archival pigment print (C-41 film, digitally altered), 8.5 in x 11 in (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm).

Artist note: As always, any research would benefit from additional studies being done to verify the integrity of its findings. Still, I think that the information that we currently have is worth investigating, discussing, and considering in regulatory decisions.

If you enjoyed this artist essay and photo series, consider supporting my work. "Phone Testing" artwork is available on my shop website.

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