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Safety Guidelines
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
The 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 Radio Frequency (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International Electro Magnetic
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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications &
Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research And Development Agreement
(CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety.The
FDA provides the scientific oversight,obtaining input
from experts in government,industry,and academic
organizations.CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts with 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 Radio Frequency
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 Radio Frequency (RF) energy
exposures.The FCC established these guidelines in
consultation with the FDA and the other federal
health and safety agencies.The FCC limit for RF
exposure from wireless phones 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.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.
