196
APPENDIX
consultation with 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.fda.gov (under “c” in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research).) 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.
8. What has FDA done to measure the radiofrequency energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical standard for
measuring the radiofrequency 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 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.
x 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.
