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(under “c” in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research)) 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 mobile phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a
technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency energy (RF)
exposure from mobile 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 mobile 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 by 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
mobile phone complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency
energy from my mobile 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 radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how
much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent
using a mobile phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by mobile phone every day
you could place more distance between your body and the source of RF.
since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the mobile phone away
from your body or use a mobile phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that mobile 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 mobile phone use.
10. What about children using mobile phones?
Scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of mobile phones,
including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower
exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above
would apply to children and teenagers using mobile phones. Reducing the
time of mobile phone use and increasing the distance between the user
and the RF source will reduce RF exposure. Some groups sponsored by
