FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
input from industry, and academic
organizations.
CTIA-funded research is conducted through
contracts to independent investigators.
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.
The interpretation of epidemiological studies
is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual
RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless
phones. Many factors affect this measurement,
such as the angle at which the phone is held, or
which model of phone is used.
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health
effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology
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). FDA has been
a leading participant in the World Health
Organization International Electromagnetic Fields
(EMF) Project since its inception in 1996.
experts
in government,
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. FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications
& Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety.
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