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 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 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.
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6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
The 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).
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 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 energy (RF) 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 telephones is set
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