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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
phone 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 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 expo-
sure 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. FCC established these
guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other federal health
and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wire-
less 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_ 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
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