not exceed limits established by the FCC. One of these limits is expressed as a Specific Absorption Rate, or "SAR."
SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests for SAR are conducted with the phone
transmitting at its highest power level in all tested frequency bands. Since 1996, the FCC has required that the
SAR of handheld wireless phones not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram, averaged over one gram of tissue.
Although the SAR is determined at the highest power level, the actual SAR value of a wireless phone while
operating can be less than the reported SAR value. This is because the SAR value may vary from call to call,
depending on factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the phone to the body while in use, and the
use of hands-free devices.
For more information about SARs, see the FCC's OET Bulletins 56 and 65 at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/
Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins or visit the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
website at http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/index.cfm/AID/10371. You may also wish to contact the
manufacturer of your phone.
Can I minimize my RF exposure?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take to minimize your RF exposure. You can,
of course, reduce your talk time. You can place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, as the
exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC website states that "hands-free kits can be used
with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head
because the phone, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other
hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the body will
absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless
of whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either configuration should result in compliance
with the safety limit." Also, if you use your wireless phone while in a car, you can use a phone with an antenna on
the outside of the vehicle. You should also read and follow your wireless phone manufacturer's instructions for the
safe operation of your phone.
Do wireless phones pose any special risks to children?
The FDA/FCC website states that "the scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless communication
devices, including children." The FDA/FCC website further states that "some groups sponsored by other national
governments have advised that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all". For example, the Stewart
Report from the United Kingdom ["UK"] made such a recommendation in December 2000. In this report a group of
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