26
Safety
available for sale to the public, it must be tested by the manufacturer and
certified to the FCC that it does not exceed limits established by the FCC.
One of these limits is expressed as a Specific Absorption Rate, or “SAR.”
SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests
for SAR are conducted with the wireless device transmitting at its highest
power level in all tested frequency bands. Since 1996, the FCC has required
that the SAR of handheld wireless devices not exceed 1.6 watts per
kilogram, averaged over one gram of tissue.
Although the SAR is determined at the highest power level, the actual SAR
value of a wireless device while operating can be less than the reported
SAR value. This is because the SAR value may vary from call to call,
depending on factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the
wireless device to the body while in use, and the use of hands-free
devices. For more information about SARs, see the FCC’s OET Bulletins 56
and 65 at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/
Documents/bulletins or visit the Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association website at http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/index.cfm/
AID/10371. You may also wish to contact the manufacturer of your wireless
device.
Can I minimize my RF exposure?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take
to minimize your RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time.
You can place more distance between your body and the source of the RF,
as the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC
website states that “hands-free kits can be used with wireless devices for
convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF
energy in the head because the wireless device, which is the source of the
RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the
wireless device is mounted against the waist or other part of the body
during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless
devices marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements
regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the body.
Either configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.” Also,
if you use your wireless device while in a car, you can use a wireless device
Summary of Contents for GizmoPal 2
Page 57: ......
