FDA update on wireless phones
58
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.
9. WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO REDUCE MY
EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY 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
quickguide.book Page 58 Thursday, August 21, 2003 3:43 PM
