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excess of the guidelines under normal conditions of use. Such exclusions
are not exclusions from compliance, but, rather, exclusions from routine
evaluation. The FCC's policies on RF exposure and categorical exclusion
can be found in Section 1.1307(b) of the FCC's Rules and Regulations
[(47 CFR 1.1307(b)].
How can I obtain the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value for my
wireless phone?
The FCC requires that wireless phones sold in the United States
demonstrate compliance with human exposure limits adopted by the FCC
in 1996. The relative amount of RF energy absorbed in the head of a
wireless telephone-user is given by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), as
explained above. The FCC requires wireless phones to comply with a
safety limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg) in terms of SAR.
Information on SAR for a specific phone model can be obtained for many
recently manufactured phones using the FCC identification (ID) number
for that model. The FCC ID number is usually printed somewhere on the
case of the phone. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove the battery
pack to find the number. Once you have the ID number, go to the following
Web address: www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid
. On this page, you will see
instructions for entering the FCC ID number. Type the FCC ID number
exactly as requested (the Grantee Code is the first three characters, the
Equipment Product Code is the rest of the FCC ID number). Then click on
“Start Search.” The “Grant of Equipment Authorization” for your telephone
should appear. Read through the grant for the section on “SAR
Compliance,” “Certification of Compliance with FCC Rules 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 websites 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.
What are wireless telephone base stations?
Fixed antennas used for wireless telecommunications are referred to as
cellular base stations, cell stations, PCS (“Personal Communications
Service”) stations or telephone transmission towers. These base stations
consist of antennas and electronic equipment. Because the antennas
need to be high in the air, they are often located on towers, poles, water
tanks, or rooftops. Typical heights for freestanding base station towers are
50-200 feet.
Some base stations use antennas that look like poles, 10 to 15 feet in
length, that are referred to as “omni-directional” antennas. These types of
antennas are usually found in rural areas. In urban and suburban areas,
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