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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.
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. FCC established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and other
federal health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for 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 tissue 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.
