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Safety Guidelines
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 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.