User's Manual

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6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of
wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators
around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to address important
questions about the effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone
safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in government, industry,
and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to 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. FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with 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 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.