Wireless Phone - NEC Terrain User Manual

This is because the interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-causing agent and the time tumors
develop — if they do — may be many, many years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies is hampered by
difficulties in measuring actual RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones. Many factors affect this
measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which model of phone is used.
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 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 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 the FDA done to measure the Radio Frequency energy coming from wireless
phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for measuring the
Radio Frequency (RF) energy 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 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 mill watts/g) of
matter.
This measurement is used to determine whether a wireless phone complies with safety guidelines.
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