Cingular MUSTANG C810 User Manual page 122

5. What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless phones poses a health
risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological studies of people actually using wireless phones
would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime animal exposure studies could be completed in a
few years. However, very large numbers of animals would be needed to provide reliable proof of a cancer
promoting effect if one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that is directly applicable to human
populations, but 10 or more years' follow-up may be needed to provide answers about some health effects,
such as cancer. This is because the interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-causing agent and
the time tumors develop – if they do – may be many, many years. The interpretation of epidemiological
studies is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless
phones. Many factors affect this measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which model
of phone is used.
6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators
around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to address
important questions about the effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). 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. 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.
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