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For Your Safety 143
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible
health effects of wireless device RF?
The FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups
of investigators around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are
conducted to address important questions about the effects of exposure to
Radio Frequency (RF) energy.
The FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996.
An influential result of this work has been the development of a detailed
agenda of research needs that has driven the establishment of new research
programs around the world. The project has also helped develop a series of
public information documents on EMF issues.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA)
to do research on wireless device safety. The FDA provides the scientific
oversight, obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts with
independent investigators. The initial research will include both laboratory
studies and studies of wireless device users. The CRADA will also include a
broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the latest
research developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much Radio Frequency energy exposure
I can get by using my wireless device?
All devices 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 devices 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 device and is set well
below levels known to have effects. Manufacturers of wireless devices must
report the RF exposure level for each model of device to the FCC. The FCC
website (
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
) gives directions for locating the FCC
identification number on your device so you can find your device’s RF exposure
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