6. What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless phones poses a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological studies of people actually using wireless phones
would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime animal exposure studies could be completed in a few
years. However, very large numbers of animals would be needed to provide reliable proof of a cancer
promoting effect, if one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that is directly applicable to human
populations, but ten or more years follow-up may be needed to provide answers about some health effects,
such as cancer.
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.
7. 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 milliwatts/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 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.
