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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.
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.
Safety
Safety
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
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