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FDA Consumer Update
152
Manufacturers of wireless phones must report the RF exposure level for each model of phone to
the FCC. The FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) 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.
• 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 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.