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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 (RF) energy. 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 (RF) energy 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 web site (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.
Safety Guidelines
Safety Guidelines