109
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 (RF) energy 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
(RF) energy. 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