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Chapter 16. Safety and warranty
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. 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 radiofrequency
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 radiofrequency 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.
* If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every
day, you could place more distance between your body and the source
of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone
away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote
antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are
harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these
products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE