Safety Guidelines
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 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.
The FCC established these guidelines
in consultation with the 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
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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/) 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.
8. What has the 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 handsets with the participation
and leadership of FDA scientists and
engineers. The standard, 'Recommended
Practice for Determining the Spatial-
Peak Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)