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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 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.
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