User's Manual

Safety Guidelines

research programs around the world. The project has also helped develop a

series of public information documents on EMF issues. The FDA and the Cellular

Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative

Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone

safety. The FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts

in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is

conducted through contracts with 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 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/) 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