Getting Started Guide
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Chapter 6: Important consumer information
In 1996, the FCC, working with the FDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and other agencies, established RF exposure safety guidelines for wireless devices in the
United States. Before a wireless device model is available for sale to the public, it must be
tested by the manufacturer and certified to the FCC that it does not exceed limits established
by the FCC. One of these limits is expressed as a specific absorption rate, or SAR. SAR is a
measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests for SAR are conducted
with the wireless device transmitting at its highest power level in all tested frequency bands.
Since 1996, the FCC has required that the SAR of handheld wireless devices not exceed 1.6
watts per kilogram, averaged over one gram of tissue. Although the SAR is determined at the
highest power level, the actual SAR value of a wireless device while operating can be less
than the reported SAR value. This is because the SAR value may vary from call to call,
depending on factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the wireless device to
the body while in use, and the use of handsfree devices.
For more information about SARs, see the FCC’s OET Bulletins 56 and 65 at
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins
and
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea
. You may also wish to contact the manufacturer of your wireless
device.
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take to minimize your
RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time. You can place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, as the exposure level drops off dramatically
with distance. The FDA/FCC Web site states that “[h]ands-free kits can be used with
wireless devices for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce absorption of RF
energy in the head because the phone, which is a source of the RF emissions, will not be
placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other
part of the body during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless
phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless of whether
they are used against the head or against the body. Either configuration should result in
compliance with the safety limit.” Also, if you use your wireless device while in a car, you
can use a wireless device with an antenna on the outside of the vehicle. You should also read
and follow your wireless device manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of your
wireless device.
The FDA Web site states that “[t]he scientific evidence does not show a danger to any users
of cell phones from RF exposure, including children and teenagers.” The FDA Web site
further states that “[s]ome groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that
children be discouraged from using cell phones at all. For example, the Stewart Report from
What does specific absorption rate (SAR) mean?
Can I minimize my RF exposure while using my phone or
device?
Do wireless phones pose any special threat to children?
