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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. FCC established these guidelines in consultation with 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 FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from wireless
phones
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a
technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency 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.
