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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 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 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
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priority animal studies are conducted to address
important questions about the effects of exposure
to radio frequency 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
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SAFETY GUIDELINES