Table of Contents
Advertisement
The exposure limits used by the FCC are expressed in terms of
SAR, electric and magnetic field strength, and power density for
transmitters operating at frequencies from 300 kHz to 100 GHz.
The specific values can be found in two FCC bulletins, OET
Bulletins 56 and 65:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#56
;
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#65
6. Why has the FCC adopted guidelines for RF exposure?
The FCC authorizes and licenses products, transmitters, and
facilities that generate RF and microwave radiation. It has
jurisdiction over all transmitting services in the U.S. except
those specifically operated by the Federal Government. While
the FCC does not have the expertise to determine radiation
exposure guidelines on its own, it does have the expertise and
authority to recognize and adopt technically sound standards
promulgated by other expert agencies and organizations, and
has done so. (Our joint efforts with the FDA in developing this
website is illustrative of the kind of inter-agency efforts and
consultation we engage in regarding this health and safety
issue.)
Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA),
the FCC has certain responsibilities to consider whether its
actions will significantly affect the quality of the human
environment. Therefore, FCC approval and licensing of
transmitters and facilities must be evaluated for significant
impact on the environment. Human exposure to RF radiation
emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters is one of several factors
that must be considered in such environmental evaluations. In
1996, the FCC revised its guidelines for RF exposure as a result
of a multi-year proceeding and as required by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Radio and television broadcast stations, satellite-earth stations,
experimental radio stations and certain wireless
communication facilities are required to undergo routine
evaluation for RF compliance when they submit an application
to the FCC for construction or modification of a transmitting
facility or renewal of a license. Failure to comply with the FCC's
RF exposure guidelines could lead to the preparation of a
formal Environmental Assessment, possible Environmental
Section 4: Safety Guidelines and Warranty Information
4A: Safety 197
Advertisement
Table of Contents
