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
tissuesimulating 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.
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Safety Guidelines