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develop - if they do - may be many,
many years. The interpretation of
epidemiological studies is hampered
by difficulties in measuring actual RF
exposure during day-to-day use of
wireless phones. Many factors affect
this measurement, such as the angle
at which the phone is held, or which
model of phone is used.
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 Electro
Magnetic 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 phones 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
Safety