Safety
155
In June 2000, the FDA entered into a cooperative research and
development agreement through which additional scientific research is
being conducted. The FCC issued its own website publication stating that
“there is no scientific evidence that proves that wireless device usage can
lead to cancer or a variety of other problems, including headaches, dizziness
or memory loss.” This publication is available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/
cellular.html or through the FCC at (888) 225-5322 or (888) CALL-FCC.
What does “SAR” mean?
In 1996, the FCC, working with the FDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and other agencies, established RF exposure safety guidelines for
wireless devices in the United States. Before a wireless device model is
available for sale to the public, it must be tested by the manufacturer and
certified to the FCC that it does not exceed limits established by the FCC.
One of these limits is expressed as a Specific Absorption Rate, or “SAR.”
SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests
for SAR are conducted with the device transmitting at its highest power
level in all tested frequency bands. Since 1996, the FCC has required that
the SAR of handheld wireless devices not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram,
averaged over one gram of tissue.
Although the SAR is determined at the highest power level, the actual SAR
value of a wireless device while operating can be less than the reported
SAR value. This is because the SAR value may vary from call to call,
depending on factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the
device to the body while in use, and the use of hands-free devices.
For more information about SARs, visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.
gov/consumers/guides/specific-absorption-ratesar-cell-phones-what-it-
means-you. You may also wish to contact the manufacturer of your device.
Can I minimize my RF exposure?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take
to minimize your RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time.
You can place more distance between your body and the source of the RF,
as the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC
website states that “hands-free kits can be used with wireless devices for
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
Weight and Dimensions
