Usage guidelines: all about performance and safety 131
assessment of additional research needs in the context of the
latest research developments around the world.
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
other federal health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for
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
tissue 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.