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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 Radio
Frequency (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health
Organization International Electro Magnetic 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 (RF) energy 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
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/ rf safety) 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 the FDA done to measure the Radio Frequency
energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is
developing a technical standard for measuring the Radio Frequency
(RF) energy exposure from wireless phones and other wireless
handsets 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
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
tissue, either by the whole body or a small part of the body. It is
measured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of matter. This measurement
is used to determine whether a wireless phone complies with
safety guidelines.