The FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government,
industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-
funded research is conducted through
contracts with 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 Radio
Frequency 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
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 phones
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 the FDA done to measure the
Radio Frequency energy coming from
wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the Radio Frequency
(RF) energy 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.
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