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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
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/cgb/cellular.html) gives directions for locating the FCC identification number
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,
-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 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 Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Since time is a
key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a
wireless phone will reduce RF exposure. If you must conduct extended conversations by
wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your body and the source of
the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could
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