Filter
Top Products
85
Safety Guidelines
is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF
exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones.
Many factors affect this measurement, such as the
angle at which the phone is held, or which model of
phone is used.
6.What is the FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
The FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology
Program and with groups of investigators around the
world to ensure that high priority animal studies are
conducted to address important questions about the
effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International Electromagnetic
Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An
influential result of this work has been the
development of a detailed agenda of research needs
that has driven the establishment of new research
programs around the world. The project has also
helped develop a series of public information
documents on EMF issues. The FDA and the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on
wireless phone safety. The FDA provides the
scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations.
CTIA-funded research is conducted through
contracts with independent investigators. 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 latest research
developments around the world.
7.How can I find out how much radio frequency
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 radio frequency energy (RF)
exposures. The FCC established these guidelines in
consultation with the 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