palmOne Vision Smart Device Treo 650 User Manual page 288

such as X-rays and gamma rays. Often the term radiation is used when discussing ionizing
radiation (such as that associated with nuclear power plants).
The energy levels associated with radiofrequency energy, including both radio waves and
microwaves, are not great enough to cause the ionization of atoms and molecules. Therefore, RF
energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing radiation include visible
light, infrared radiation (heat) and other forms of electromagnetic radiation with relatively low
frequencies.
Large amounts of RF energy can heat tissue. This can damage tissues and increase body
temperatures. Two areas of the body, the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF
heating because there is relatively little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat.
The amount of RF radiation routinely encountered by the general public is too low to produce
significant heating or increased body temperature. Still, some people have questions about the
possible health effects of low levels of RF energy. It is generally agreed that further research is
needed to determine what effects actually occur and whether they are dangerous to people. In
the meantime, standards-setting organizations and government agencies are continuing to
monitor the latest scientific findings to determine whether changes in safety limits are needed to
protect human health.
FDA, EPA and other US government agencies responsible for public health and safety have
worked together and in connection with WHO to monitor developments and identify research
needs related to RF biological effects.
What levels of RF energy are considered safe?
Various organizations and countries have developed standards for exposure to radiofrequency
energy. These standards recommend safe levels of exposure for both the general public and for
workers. In the United States, the FCC has used safety guidelines for RF environmental exposure
since 1985.
The FCC guidelines for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields are derived from the
recommendations of two expert organizations, the National Council on Radiation Protection
and Measurements (NCRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In
both cases, the recommendations were developed by scientific and engineering experts drawn
from industry, government, and academia after extensive reviews of the scientific literature
related to the biological effects of RF energy.
276 Safety