131
online listing.
8. What has the FDA done to
measure the radiofrequency
energy coming from wireless
phones?
The Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
is developing a technical
standard for measuring the
radiofrequency energy (RF)
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
tissuesimulating 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.
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 concerned about
avoiding even potential risks,
you can take a few simple steps
to minimize your exposure to
radiofrequency energy (RF).
Since time is a key factor in