contracts to 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 addi- tional research needs in the context of the latest research devel- opments 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 radiofre- quency 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 devel- oping a technical standard for measuring the radiofrequency ener- gy (RF) exposure from wireless phones and other wireless hand- sets with the participation and leadership of FDA scientists and engineers. The standard, “Recommended Practice for Determining the
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 tis- sue, either by the whole body or a small part of the body. It is meas- ured 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
•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 dramati- cally 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.
10. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wire- less phones, including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the meas- ures described above would apply to children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless
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