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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.
8. 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 (1.6W/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
