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8. What has the FDA done to measure the Radio Frequency
energy coming from wireless devices?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the Radio Frequency (RF) energy exposure from wireless
devices 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 device 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 device.
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 device
complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to Radio
Frequency energy from my wireless device?
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 Radio
Frequency (RF) energy. Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person
receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless device will reduce RF
exposure. If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless device 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 device away from your body or use a
wireless device connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data does not
demonstrate that wireless devices 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 device use.
10. What about children using wireless devices?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless devices,
including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure
For Your Safety
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