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measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which model of phone is
used.
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone
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
phone 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 phone 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 phone?
All phones 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 phones 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.