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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 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 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 energy (RF) 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.
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