8. What has the FDA done to measure the radiofrequency
energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency
energy (RF). 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 does 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.
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