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6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible
health effects of wireless phone RF?
The FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and
with groups of investigators around the world to ensure that high
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 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 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.
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