253
Chapter 16. Safety and warranty
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.
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
