We wrote about the radiation problems with DECT cordless phones last year.  This wireless technology is now the main one being used on most cordless phones in the US. 5.8Ghz cordless phones have faded away. There are issues with these DECT cordless phones constantly transmitting even when not in use. It is especially concerning if you put a cordless handset next to your bed. Always err on the cautious side.

Siemens eco dect line is a popular line of cordless phones. The Siemens Gigaset SL785 DECT cordless phone was the first Eco DECT Mode Plus cordless phone to address the issues. The following Siemens DECT Cordless phones are similar:  Siemens A580IP and Siemens S795

What to look for in a cordless phone

• Reduce the transmitting power of the Siemens Gigaset ECO Mode Plus Phone’s base station by 80% simply by selecting the ECO DECT Mode.

• Energy saving ECO Mode Plus for 100% reduction of transmitting power when the handset is idle or charging.
• “The international limits for radio wave transmission ensure that there are no risks. Our products fall well below these recommended limits. Even though there is still no scientific evidence that radio waves emitted by DECT phones are harmful, SHC’s approach is to equip all its Gigaset phones with functions that enable the automatic or manual reduction of transmitting power.”

• The energy-saving power supply of the Gigaset ECO Mode Plus Phone’s uses up to 60% less energy.

See how much radiation is coming from a DECT cordless phone.

Siemens now has a family of ECO Mode Plus DECT cordless phones, so be sure to check these out when shopping for a new cordless phone.  While they still radiate while being use, these eco dect phones are far better than plain DECT cordless phones. Some are available inside the US.

Panasonic DECT Cordless Phones

Some Panasonic DECT Cordless phones feature an Intelligent Eco Mode that automatically lowers the power consumption when you are using the handset close to the base unit or while the phone is not in use.  This is better at reducing radiation, but not great. We recently tested one that has a ECO indicator on the handset. This light remained on while handsets sat in their cradle.

Other cordless phone manufacturers do not even mention these radiation issues.  When in doubt, use a corded telephone.

Note that DECT Baby Monitors have the same radiation issues.

Siemens has their new and Green Gigaset SL785 DECT cordless phone shipping this month.  See our post Siemens ECO DECT Green Cordless Phone.

We covered the problems with DECT cordless phones last year. Finally they are being somewhat addressed.

Did you know that (DECT) 1.9Ghz digital cordless phones emit the same type of pulsed microwave radiation (about 1.8 GHz) as ordinary (GSM) cell phones.  Emissions can be about 6 V/m within a metre of the base unit, for as long as it is plugged in. Companies push these phones because they do not interfere with Wifi networks. Many base stations emit their radiation even when the phone is not in use! Microwaves are continuously emitted 24 hours a day as long as they are plugged in.  Not good. Details – More Warnings. – “DECT cordless phones work at a fixed power. Mobiles turn their power down to the lowest level possible, so when you are near a base station this can be much lower than a DECT cordless. DECT pulses are far more aggressive than for mobiles.”

Only the 3rd generation DECT models will not emit radiation continuously. These new models also adjust their power output depending on how far away the base station is from the handset. We could not find US cordless phone models that mention this issue. This is a big deal in Europe.

If you have an old DECT phone, you may want to upgrade. We use 5.8Ghz phones to avoid this issue. Amazon still sells a bunch of 5.8Ghz cordless phones.

If you really want to be ‘safe’, ditch the cordless phone and use hardwired phones.

Baby monitors are now using this DECT technology, so beware.