A d d i t i o n a l s a f e t y i n f o r m a t i o n
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.
10. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones,
including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure
to radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to
children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless
phone use and increasing the distance between the user and the RF source will
reduce RF exposure.Some groups sponsored by other national governments
have advised that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For
example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing
such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists
that using a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their
recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was strictly precautionary;
it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
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