FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
SAFETY AND WARRANTY
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health
effects of wireless handset RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with
groups of investigators around the 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 handset 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 handset 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 handset?
All handsets 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 devices 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 handset and is set well below levels
known to have effects. Manufacturers of wireless handsets must report
the RF exposure level for each model of handset to the FCC. The FCC
website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives directions for locating the
FCC identification number on your handset so you can find your hand-
set’s RF exposure level in the online listing.
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