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 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
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.
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(http://transition.fcc.gov/
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.
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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.
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