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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 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.