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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.
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
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4A: Safety 193
epidemiological studies is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual
RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones. Many factors affect
this measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which
model of phone is used.
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects
of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with
groups of investigators around the world to ensure that high priority
animal studies are conducted to address important questions about the
effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in
1996. An influential result of this work has been the development of a
detailed agenda of research needs that has driven the establishment of
new research programs around the world. The Project has also helped
develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a
formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on
wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from
experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research
is conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will
include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will
also include a broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the
latest research developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency 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
radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these guidelines
in consultation with FDA and the other federal health and safety agencies.
The FCC limit for RF 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 tissues that
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