User's Manual

71
Program and with groups of investigators 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).
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International 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. 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.