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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