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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.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 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 (RF) energy 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.
