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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 hand sets 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.
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.
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