User's Manual

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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.
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 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 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 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, reducing 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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