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FDA Consumer Update
71
Protection and Measurement. The exposure limit takes into consideration
the body’s ability to remove heat from the tissues 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.
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