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Safety Guidelines
are conducted to address important questions about the effects of exposure
to radiofrequency energy (RF). The FDA has been a leading participant in
the World Health Organization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Project since its 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
to do research on wireless phone safety. 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 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.
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 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 the 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
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