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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 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
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.
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 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 dramatically
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
Safety Guidelines