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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 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.