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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.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) 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.
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 at different laboratories on the same phone. SAR is
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