For Your Safety 118
In June 2000, the FDA entered into a cooperative research and development
agreement through which additional scientific research is being conducted.
The FCC issued its own website publication stating that “there is no scientific
evidence that proves that wireless device usage can lead to cancer or a variety
of other problems, including headaches, dizziness or memory loss.” This
publication is available at
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/cellular.html
or through the
FCC at (888) 225-5322 or (888) CALL-FCC.
What does “SAR” mean?
In 1996, the FCC, working with the FDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and other agencies, established RF exposure safety guidelines for
wireless devices in the United States. Before a wireless device model is
available for sale to the public, it must be tested by the manufacturer and
certified to the FCC that it does not exceed limits established by the FCC. One
of these limits is expressed as a Specific Absorption Rate, or “SAR.” SAR is a
measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests for SAR are
conducted with the device transmitting at its highest power level in all tested
frequency bands. Since 1996, the FCC has required that the SAR of handheld
wireless devices not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram, averaged over one gram
of tissue.
Although the SAR is determined at the highest power level, the actual SAR
value of a wireless device while operating can be less than the reported SAR
value. This is because the SAR value may vary from call to call, depending on
factors such as proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the device to the body
while in use, and the use of hands-free devices.
For more information about SARs, visit the FCC website at
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/specific-absorption-rate-sar-cell-
phones-what-it-means-you
. You may also wish to contact the manufacturer
of your device.
Can I minimize my RF exposure?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take to
minimize your RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time.
You can place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, as
the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC website
states that “hands-free kits can be used with wireless devices for convenience
and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head
because the device, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed
