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SAFETY AND WARRANTY
SAFETY AND WARRANTY
5. What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless phones
poses a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological studies of people actually
using wireless phones would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime ani-
mal exposure studies could be completed in a few years. However, very large numbers
of animals would be needed to provide reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect if
one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that is directly applicable to hu-
man populations, but 10 or more years’ follow-up may be needed to provide answers
about some health effects, such as cancer. This is because the interval between the
time of exposure to a cancer- causing agent and the time tumors develop - if they do
-may be many, many years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies is hampered
by difficulties in measuring actual RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless
phones. Many factors affect this measurement, such as the angle at which the phone
is held, or which model of phone is used.
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless
phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investi-
gators around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to
address important questions about the effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy
(RF). FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization Interna-
tional Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An influential
result of this work has been the development of a detailed agenda of research needs
that has driven the establishment of new research programs around the world. The
Project has also helped develop a series of public information documents on EMF
issues. FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a
formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research
on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from
experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research
is conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will
include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will
also include a broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the
latest research developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency energy exposure I can get by using
my wireless phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) guidelines that limit radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC
established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other federal health
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.
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
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 direc-
tions for locating the FCC identification number on your mobile 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 leader-ship 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 steps to minimize your exposure to radiofrequency
energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reduc-
ing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
•
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone 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 phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless 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 wireless phone use.
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