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address important questions about
the effects of exposure to Radio
Frequency (RF) energy.
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 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
(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