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Section 4A: Safety Guidelines 165
model. The FCC ID number is usually printed somewhere on the case of the
phone. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove the battery pack to find the
number. Once you have the ID number, go to the following Web address:
www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid. On this page, you will see instructions for entering the
FCC ID number. Type the FCC ID number exactly as requested (the Grantee
Code is the first three characters, the Equipment Product Code is the rest of the
FCC ID number). Then click on "Start Search." The "Grant of Equipment
Authorization" for your telephone should appear. Read through the grant for the
section on "SAR Compliance," "Certification of Compliance with FCC Rules for
RF Exposure" or similar language. This section should contain the value(s) for
typical or maximum SAR for your phone.
Phones and other products authorized since June 2, 2000, should have the
maximum SAR levels noted directly on the "Grant of Equipment Authorization."
For phones and products authorized between about mid-1998 and June 2000,
detailed information on SAR levels is typically found in the exhibits associated
with the grant. Once a grant is accessed, the exhibits can be viewed by clicking
on "View Exhibit." Grants authorized prior to 1998 are not part of the electronic
database but, rather, have been documented in the form of paper records.
The FCC database does not list phones by model number. However, consumers
may find SAR information from other sources as well. Some wireless phone
manufacturers make SAR information available on their own Web sites. In
addition, some non-government Web sites provide SARs for specific models of
wireless phones. However,the FCC has not reviewed these sites and makes no
guarantees of their accuracy. Finally, phones certified by the Cellular
Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) are required to provide
SAR information to consumers in the instructional materials that come with
the phones.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF
emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-
free kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These
systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone,
which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On
the other hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of the
body during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless
phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless
of whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either
configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF
radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the
head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the