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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 radio frequency 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 radio frequency 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 radio frequency energy coming
from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for
measuring the radio frequency 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 radio frequency
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 radio frequency 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.