Alcatel GO FLIP User Manual page 21

6. What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
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 radiofrequency energy (RF). FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic 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.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is
conducted through contracts to 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 radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. FCC established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and the
other federal health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless telephones 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.fda.gov (under "c" in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research)) 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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8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for measuring the
radiofrequency energy (RF) exposure from wireless phones and other wireless handsets with the participation and
leadership of FDA scientists and engineers. The standard, "Recommended Practice for Determining the Spatial-
Peak Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Body Due to Wireless Communications Devices: Experimental
Techniques," sets forth the first consistent test methodology for measuring the rate at which RF is deposited in the
heads of wireless phone users. The test method uses a tissue-simulating model of the human head. Standardized
SAR test methodology is expected to greatly improve the consistency of measurements made by different
laboratories on the same phone. SAR is the measurement of the amount of energy absorbed in tissue, either by the
whole body or a small part of the body. It is measured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of matter. This measurement is
used to determine whether a wireless phone complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we do not know that there is—it is probably very small. But if
you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to
radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
• If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But
if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above
to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
10. What about children using wireless phones?
Scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones, including children and teenagers. If you want
to take steps to lower exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children
and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and increasing the distance between
the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure. Some groups sponsored by other national governments have
advised that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the United
Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no evidence
exists that using a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless
phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
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