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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 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.
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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?
The 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
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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.
11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some
electronic devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to
measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers
and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of
a standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device
manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This
standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and
defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has tested hearing aids for
interference from handheld wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary
standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
This standard specifies test methods and performance requirements for hearing
aids and wireless phones so that that no interference occurs when a person
uses a "compatible" phone and a "compatible" hearing aid at the same time. This
standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000. FDA continues to monitor the use
of wireless phones for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should
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