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 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
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