For Your Safety
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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 (RF) energy 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 phones 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 (RF) energy
