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6. What is the FDA doing to find out
more about the possible health
effects of wireless phone RF?
The FDA is working with the U.S.
National Toxicology Program and
with groups of investigators around
the world to ensure that high
priority animal studies are
conducted to address important
questions about the effects of
exposure to Radio Frequency (RF)
energy.
The FDA has been a leading
participant in the World Health
Organization International Electro
Magnetic Fields (EMF) Project
since its inception in 1996. 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
126
Safety
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
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