The government must toughen laws monitoring the levels of electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phones after studies found that long-term use of cell phones can fragment DNA, scientists said yesterday.

Constantinos Triantafylidis, a genetics professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, said that allowable SAR (Special Absorption Rate) levels in Greece should be 10 times lower than they currently are.

The SAR measures how a mobile phone can cause cell damage and also determines the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy absorbed by the body.

“In Greece the allowable limit for SAR exposure is 2W/Kgr but it has been proven that even 1.3 W/Kgr can fragment DNA. As a result and based on recent findings, we are obliged to lower the limits,” said Triantafylidis.

Experts recommended that SAR levels be shown clearly on phone labels in a bid to provide users with more thorough information on the radiation’s effects.