palmOne Vision Smart Device Treo 650 User Manual page 301

The FDA's microwave oven standard is an emission standard (as opposed to an exposure standard)
that allows specific levels of microwave leakage (measured at five centimeters from the oven
surface). The standard also requires ovens to have two independent interlock systems that prevent
the oven from generating microwaves the moment that the latch is released or the door of the
oven is opened. The FDA has stated that ovens that meet its standards and are used according to
the manufacturer's recommendations are safe for consumer and industrial use. More information is
available from: www.fda.gov/cdrh.
The EPA has, in the past, considered developing federal guidelines for public exposure to RF
radiation. However, EPA activities related to RF safety and health are presently limited to
advisory functions. For example, the EPA now chairs an Inter-agency Radiofrequency Working
Group, which coordinates RF health-related activities among the various federal agencies with
health or regulatory responsibilities in this area.
OSHA is responsible for protecting workers from exposure to hazardous chemical and physical
agents. In 1971, OSHA issued a protection guide for exposure of workers to RF radiation [29
CFR 1910.97]. However, this guide was later ruled to be only advisory and not mandatory.
Moreover, it was based on an earlier RF exposure standard that has now been revised. At the
present time, OSHA uses the IEEE and/or FCC exposure guidelines for enforcement purposes
under OSHA's "general duty clause" (for more information see: http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/
radiofrequencyradiation/index.html.
NIOSH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It conducts research and
investigations into issues related to occupational exposure to chemical and physical agents.
NIOSH has, in the past, undertaken to develop RF exposure guidelines for workers, but final
guidelines were never adopted by the agency. NIOSH conducts safety-related RF studies through
its Physical Agents Effects Branch in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The NTIA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is responsible for authorizing
Federal Government use of the RF electromagnetic spectrum. Like the FCC, the NTIA also has
NEPA responsibilities and has considered adopting guidelines for evaluating RF exposure from
U.S. Government transmitters such as radar and military facilities.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has conducted research on the biological effects of RF
energy for a number of years. This research is now conducted primarily at the U.S. Air Force
Research Laboratory located at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. The DOD Web site for RF
Safety 289