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8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy
coming from wireless phones ?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is
developing a technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency
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 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 radiofrequency
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 radiofrequency energy (RF). 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 place more distance between your body
and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off
dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset
and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a
wireless phone connected to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data do not
demonstrate that wireless phones are
harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these
products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health
effects of wireless phone RF?
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 radiofrequency energy (RF).
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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA
provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded
research is conducted through contracts to 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 radiofrequency 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
radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with 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.