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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/ISEDC established these guidelines in
consultation with the FDA and the other federal health
and safety agencies. The FCC/ISEDC limit for RF
exposure from wirelesstelephones is set at a Specific
Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram
(1.6W/kg). The FCC/ISEDC 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/ISEDC. The FCC website
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives directions for
locating the FCC identification number on your phone
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