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that is directly applicable to human populations, but 10 or more years’ follow-up 
may be needed to provide answers about some health effects, such as cancer. 
This is because the interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-causing 
agent and the time tumors develop - if they do -may be many, many years. The 
interpretation of epidemiological studies is hampered by difficulties in measuring 
actual RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones. Many factors affect 
this measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which model 
of phone is used.
6.  What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of 
wireless phone RF?
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 
radiofrequency energy (RF). FDA has been a leading participant in the World 
Health Organization International Electromagnetic 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. FDA and the Cellular 
Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative 
Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless 
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts 
in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is 
conducted through contracts to 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 radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) exposures. 
FCC established these guidelines in consultation with FDA and the other 
federal health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless 
telephones 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. The FCC website (
http://www.fda.gov 
(under 
“c” in the subject index, select
 Cell Phones > Research
).)
 
gives directions for 
locating the FCC identification number on your phone so you can find your 
phone’s RF exposure level in the online listing.
8.  What has 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