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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 pro-
grams around the world. The Project has also helped develop
a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Asso-
ciation (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and De-
velopment Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
input from experts in government, industry, and academic or-
ganizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through con-
tracts 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 wire-
less 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 Electri-
cal 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 expo-
sure 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.
8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency en-
ergy 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 leader-
ship of FDA scientists and engineers. The standard, “Recom-
mended 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 mea-
surement 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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