SAFETY AND WARRANTY
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy
coming from wireless handsets ?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a
technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency energy (RF)
exposure from wireless handsets 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 handset 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 handset. 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 handset complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency
energy from my wireless handset?
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 wireless handset will reduce RF exposure.
• If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless handset 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 handset
away from your body or use a wireless handset connected to a remote
antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless handsets 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 handset use.
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