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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 energy (RF) 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 Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in
the Human Body Due to Wireless Communications Devices: Experimental
Techniques,” sets forth the first consistent test 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 tissue,
either by the whole body or a small part of the body. It is measured 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 radio frequency
energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products — and at this point we do not know that
there is — it is probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding
even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how
much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using
a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure. 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 dramatically 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