LG VX3200 User Manual page 53

Safety
Safety
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. 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 energy (RF) 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
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.
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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
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 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 radio
frequency 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 radio frequency 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.
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