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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.