User's Manual

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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 exposure level for each
model of phone to the FCC.