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Safety Guidelines
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 radio frequency 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 radio frequency energy (RF) exposures. The
FCC established these guidelines in consultation with the 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. 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 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 the FDA done to measure the radio frequency energy
coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the radio frequency 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
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