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Appendix B Message from the FDA
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 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.