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SAFETYSAFETY
required that the SAR of handheld wireless phones not exceed 1.6 watts per
kilogram, averaged over one gram of tissue. Although the SAR is determined at the
highest power level, the actual SAR value of a wireless phone while operating can
be less than the reported SAR value. This is because the SAR value may vary from
call to call, depending on factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of
the phone to the body while in use, and the use of hands-free devices. For more
information about SARs, see the FCC’s OET Bulletins 56 and 65 at http://www.fcc.
gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins and http://www.fcc.
gov/oet/ea/, or visit the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association website
at http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/index.cfm/AID/10371. You may also wish to
contact the manufacturer of your phone.
CAN I MINIMIZE MY RF EXPOSURE?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take to
minimize your RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time. You can
place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, as the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC website states that "[h]
ands-free kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort.
These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone,
which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On
the other hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of the
body during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless
phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless of
whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either configuration
should result in compliance with the safety limit." Also, if you use your wireless
phone while in a car, you can use a phone with an antenna on the outside of
the vehicle. You should also read and follow your wireless phone manufacturer’s
instructions for the safe operation of your phone.
DO WIRELESS PHONES POSE ANY SPECIAL RISKS TO CHILDREN?
The FDA website states that "[t]he scientific evidence does not show a danger
to any users of cell phones from RF exposure, including children and teenagers."
The FDA website further states that "[s]ome groups sponsored by other national
governments have advised that children be discouraged from using cell phones
at all. For example, the Stewart Report from the United Kingdom [“UK”] made
such a recommendation in December 2000. In this report a group of independent
experts noted that no evidence exists that using a cell phone causes brain tumors
or other ill effects. [The UK’s] recommendation to limit cell phone use by children
was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists." A copy of the UK’s leaflet is available at http://www.dh.gov.uk
(search "mobile"), or you can write to: NRPB, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ,
United Kingdom. Copies of UK’s annual reports on mobile phones and RF are
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