56
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.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my
exposure to Radio Frequency energy
from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products — and
To Next Page
Loading...
