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,
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.
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industry,
and
academic
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.
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