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methodology for measuring the rate at which RF is deposited in
the heads of wireless phone users. The test method uses a tissue-
simulating model of the human head. Standardized SAR test
methodology is expected to greatly improve the consistency of
measurements made at different laboratories on the same phone.
SAR is the measurement of the amount of energy absorbed in tis-
sue, either by the whole body or a small part of the body. It is meas-
ured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of matter. This measurement is
used to determine whether a wireless phone complies with safety
guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to
radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we do not
know that there is—it is probably very small. But if you are con-
cerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few sim-
ple steps to minimize your exposure to radiofrequency energy
(RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person
receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless
phone will reduce RF exposure.
• If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone
every day, you could place more distance between your body and
the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramati-
cally with distance. For example, you could use a headset and
carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless
phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones
are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from
these products, you can use measures like those described above
to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
10. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wire-
less phones, including children and teenagers. If you want to take
steps to lower exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the meas-
ures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and
Chapter 8 - Page 161
The initial research will include both laboratory studies and studies
of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad
assessment of additional research needs in the context of the lat-
est research developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency energy
exposure I can get by using my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit radiofre-
quency energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these guidelines
in consultation with FDA and the other federal health and safety
agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless telephones
is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram
(1.6 W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with the safety standards
developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
(IEEE) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurement. The exposure limit takes into consideration the
body’s ability to remove heat from the tissues that absorb energy
from the wireless phone and is set well below levels known to have
effects.
Manufacturers of wireless phones must report the RF exposure
level for each model of phone to the FCC. The FCC website
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives directions for locating the
FCC identification number on your phone so you can find your
phone’s RF exposure level in the online listing.
8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency
energy coming from wireless phones ?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is devel-
oping a technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency ener-
gy (RF) exposure from wireless phones and other wireless hand-
sets with the participation and leadership of FDA scientists and
engineers. The standard, “Recommended Practice for
Determining the Spatial-Peak Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in
the Human Body Due to Wireless Communications Devices:
Experimental Techniques,” sets forth the first consistent test
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