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For Your Safety
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.
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 Radio Frequency 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 Radio Frequency (RF)
energy 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 phones 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.
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