User's Manual

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 mill-watts/g) of matter.

This measurement is used to determine whether a wireless phone complies with

safety guidelines.

8. 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 (1.6W/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