Usage guidelines: All about performance and safety 121
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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio
frequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do
not know that there is--it is probably very small. But if you are
concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take
a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio
frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how
much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of
time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
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If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless
phone every day, you could place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, since the
exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For
example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless
phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless
phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF
exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from
wireless phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of
wireless phones, including children and teenagers. If you