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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 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 RF, since the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and
carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a
remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE FDA CONSUMER UPDATE