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For Your Safety 175
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 level in the online listing.
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