- 23 -
8.
What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from wireless devices?
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 device 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 device. 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 device complies with safety guidelines.
9.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless
device?
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 device will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless device 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 device away from your body or use
a wireless device connected to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless devices are
harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these
