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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 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.