Health and Safety Information
178
What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. 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 radio frequency
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 tis
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.
Health and Safety Information
179
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.
What has 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 hand sets 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,”
Summary of Contents for SGH-P716
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