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and bodies of tablet users. The test method uses a tissue-simulating model of the
human head and body. Standardized SAR test methodology is expected to greatly
improve the consistency of measurements made at different laboratories on the
same tablet. 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 tablet
complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to Radio Frequency energy
from my tablet?
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 Radio
Frequency (RF) energy. Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person
receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a tablet will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations using a wireless device 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 tablet away from your body or use a wireless device
connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data does not demonstrate
that tablets 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 tablet use.
10. What about children using tablets?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of tablets, including
children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to Radio
Frequency (RF) energy, the measures described above would apply to children
and teenagers using tablets. Reducing the time of tablet 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 devices 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 device
causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless
device use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific
evidence that any health hazard exists.
For Your Safety
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