The FDA has been a leading
participant in the World Health
Organization International Electro
Magnetic 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 FDAand the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research And
Development Agreement (CRADA)
todo research on wireless phone
safety. The FDA provides the
scientific oversight, obtaining input
from expertsin government,
industry,and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded
research is conducted through
contracts with independent
investigators. The initial research
will include both laboratory studies
and studiesof wireless phone
users. The CRADA will also include
abroad 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
Ican 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 safetyagencies. 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
absorbenergy from the wireless
phone and is setwell belowlevels
known to have effects.
Manufacturers of wireless phones
must reportthe RF exposure level
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