A new online tool that allows consumers to determine the radio-frequency radiation levels of their cellphones drew so much traffic when it went live on Wednesday that the Environmental Working Group , a Washington advocacy group that set up the site, had to scramble to keep it from crashing.

How’s that for a busy signal?

The tracking tool allows visitors to check radiation levels for 1,200 models of cellphones and smartphones.

In an accompanying ranking, several Samsung phones made the list of ten lowest-emitting phones, while various Motorola and BlackBerry models, made by Research In Motion, dominate the list of ten high emitters.

The tool also offers some practical advice for cellphone subscribers. For tip No. 1, consult the nearest teenager: “Texting trumps talking.”

Cellphones do emit what is known as non-ionizing radiation, a far less intense form of energy than the ionizing sort associated with radioactive materials, X-ray tubes and the like. But researchers, consumer advocates and the wireless industry remain divided over the safety of cellphones, and the new site represents the latest volley in a lengthy debate over the impacts of prolonged exposure.

The industry’s long-standing position, outlined in this 2006 brief , is that there are “no adverse health affects” associated with wireless phones.

Over the past 15 years, scientists have conducted hundreds of studies looking at the biological effects of the radiofrequency energy emitted by cellphones. While some researchers have reported biological changes associated with RF energy, these studies have failed to be replicated. The majority of studies published have failed to show an association between exposure to radiofrequency from a cellphone and health problems.

Source: New York Times