Pantech PN-215 User Manual page 136

The Project has also helped develop a series of public information documents on
EMF issues. FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations.
CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to 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 radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC
established these guidelines in consultation with 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 phone's RF exposure
level in the online listing.
8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from
wireless phones ?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency 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
radiofrequency 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
C
reduce RF exposure.
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• 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
8
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.
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
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