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Section 4A: Safety Guidelines 198
for RF Exposure” or similar language. This section should contain the value(s)
for typical or maximum SAR for your phone.
Phones and other products authorized since June 2, 2000, should have the
maximum SAR levels noted directly on the “Grant of Equipment Authorization.”
For phones and products authorized between about mid-1998 and June 2000,
detailed information on SAR levels is typically found in the exhibits associated
with the grant. Once a grant is accessed, the exhibits can be viewed by clicking
on “View Exhibit.” Grants authorized prior to 1998 are not part of the electronic
database but, rather, have been documented in the form of paper records.
The FCC database does not list phones by model number. However, consumers
may find SAR information from other sources as well. Some wireless phone
manufacturers make SAR information available on their own Web sites. In addition,
some non-government Web sites provide SARs for specific models of wireless
phones. However, the FCC has not reviewed these sites and makes no guarantees
of their accuracy. Finally, phones certified by the Cellular Telecommunications and
Internet Association (CTIA) are required to provide SAR information to consumers
in the instructional materials that come with the phones.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to
RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-
free kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These
systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone,
which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head.
On the other hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of
the body during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy.
Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements
regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either
configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from
RF radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the
head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the
user from RF absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing
more than a metallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that
these products generally do not work as advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits,
these so-called “shields” may interfere with proper operation of the phone. The
phone may be forced to boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase
in RF absorption. In February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC)
charged two companies that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless
phone users from radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims.
According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate
their claim.