palmOne Vision Smart Device Treo 650 User Manual page 289

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere use exposure guidelines developed by the
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP safety
limits are generally similar to those of the NCRP and IEEE, with a few exceptions. For example,
ICNIRP recommends different exposure levels in the lower and upper frequency ranges and for
localized exposure from certain products such as hand-held wireless telephones. Currently, the
World Health Organization is working to provide a framework for international harmonization of
RF safety standards.
The NCRP, IEEE, and ICNIRP all have identified a whole-body Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
value of 4 watts per kilogram (4 W/kg) as a threshold level of exposure at which harmful
biological effects may occur. Exposure guidelines in terms of field strength, power density and
localized SAR were then derived from this threshold value. In addition, the NCRP, IEEE, and
ICNIRP guidelines vary depending on the frequency of the RF exposure. This is due to the
finding that whole-body human absorption of RF energy varies with the frequency of the RF
signal. The most restrictive limits on whole-body exposure are in the frequency range of 30-300
MHz where the human body absorbs RF energy most efficiently. For products that only expose
part of the body, such as wireless phones, exposure limits in terms of SAR only are specified.
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.
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
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