that limit Radio Frequency (RF) energy exposures. The
FCC established these guidelines in consultation with the
FDA and the other federal health and safety agencies.
The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless devices 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 tablet and is set well below levels known to
have effects. Manufacturers of tablets must report the
RF exposure level for each model of tablet to the FCC.
The FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives
directions for locating the FCC identification number on
your tablet so you can find your tablet's RF exposure
level in the online listing.
8. What has the FDA done to measure the Radio
Frequency energy coming from tablets?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
is developing a technical standard for measuring the
Radio Frequency (RF) energy exposure from tablets
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 and bodies of
tablet users. The test method uses a tissue-simulating
model of the human head and body. Standardized
SAR test methodology is expected to greatly improve
the consistency of measurements made at different
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