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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, 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.
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.fda.gov (under “c” in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research)) 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 FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for measuring the
radiofrequency 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) in the Human Body Due to Wireless Communications Devices: Experimental
Techniques,” sets forth the first consistent test methodology for measuring the rate at which RF is deposited in the
heads of wireless phone users. The test method uses a tissue-simulating model of the human head. Standardized SAR
test methodology is expected to greatly improve the consistency of measurements made at different laboratories on
the same phone. SAR is the measurement of the amount of energy absorbed in tissue, either by the whole body or a
small part of the body. It is measured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of matter. This measurement is used to determine
whether a wireless phone complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we do not know that there is—it is probably very small. But if
you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to
radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
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