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Safety Guidelines
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
tissuesimulating model of the human head.
Standardized SAR test methodology is expected to
greatly improve the consistency of measurements