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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
radio frequency 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 radio frequency 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 concerned
about the RF exposure from these products, you can
use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
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