101
Safety Guidelines
questions about the effects of exposure
to radiofrequency energy (RF). The FDA
has been a leading participant in the
World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since
its inception in 1996. 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. 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 energy (RF) 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 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