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8. 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 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 radio frequency(RF) energy. 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.
Safety Guidelines