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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 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 demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful.
But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use
measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless
phone use.
Appendix B Message from the FDA
109
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