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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. The
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications
& Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do research on
wireless phone safety. The FDA provides
the scientific oversight, obtaining input
from experts in government, industry,
and academic organizations. CTIA funded
research is conducted through contracts
with 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.
The FCC established these guidelines in
consultation with the 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 the 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
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