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Additional safety information
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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