20
20
Safety Guidelines
populations, but 10 or more years follow-
up may be needed to provide answers
about some health effects, such as cancer.
This is because the interval between the
time of exposure to a cancer-causing
agent and the time tumors develop - if
they do may be many, many years. The
interpretation of epidemiological studies
is hampered by difficulties in measuring
actual RF exposure during day-to-day use
of wireless phones. Many factors affect
this measurement, such as the angle at
which the phone is held, or which model of
phone is used.
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 radiofrequency energy (RF). The 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. 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
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.
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
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 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.
8. What has the FDA done to measure the
radiofrequency energy coming from
wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic
