If you buy a new-model mobile handset that comes to the market after September 1, rest assured it will emit much less radiation, thanks to the new norms for such phones. However, the existing handset models, introduced on or before August 31, will remain in the market for one more year.

Reduced radiation cuts the chances of various diseases, including cancer.

The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the body is measured by the specific absorption rate (SAR). From September 1, 2013, only handsets with an emission level of 1.6 watt/kg (watt is a unit of power) or less can be sold.

Ordinarily, a mobile phone weighs about 250 gm.

In a notification, the department of telecommunications said: “All the new designs of mobile handsets shall comply with the SAR value of 1.6 W/kg… with effect from September 1, 2012. However, mobile handsets with existing designs that are compliant with 2.0 W/kg … may continue to co-exist up to August 31, 2013.”

Pankaj Mohindroo, national president of the Indian Cellular Association, said: “Already, new designs are being launched with the new norms… the bulk of models of good brands are compliant with the new radiation norms.”