Palm 650 - Manual (Page 324)

312 Section 5A: Safety
shaped, like a piece of pie. As with all forms of electromagnetic energy, the power decreases
rapidly as one moves away from the antenna. Therefore, RF exposure on the ground is much
less than exposure very close to the antenna and in the path of the transmitted radio signal.
In fact, ground-level exposure from such antennas is typically thousands of times less than
the exposure levels recommended as safe by expert organizations. So exposure to nearby
residents would be well within safety margins.
Cellular and PCS base stations in the United States are required to comply with limits for
exposure recommended by expert organizations and endorsed by government agencies
responsible for health and safety. Measurements made near cellular and PCS base station
antennas mounted on towers have confirmed that ground-level exposures are typically
thousands of times less than the exposure limits adopted by the FCC. In fact, in order to be
exposed to levels at or near the FCC limits for cellular or PCS frequencies an individual would
essentially have to remain in the main transmitted radio signal (at the height of the
antenna) and within a few feet from the antenna. This is, of course, very unlikely to occur.
When cellular and PCS antennas are mounted on rooftops, RF levels on that roof or on others
near by would probably be greater than those typically encountered on the ground. However,
exposure levels approaching or exceeding safety guidelines should be encountered only very
close to or directly in front of the antennas. In addition, for sector-type antennas, typically used
for such rooftop base stations, RF levels to the side and in back of these antennas are
insignificant. General guidelines on antenna installations and circumstances that might give
rise to a concern about an facility's conformance with FCC regulations can be found in A Local
Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety: Rules, Procedures,
and Practical Guidance. This Guide can be accessed at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety.
Who regulates exposure to radiation from microwave ovens, television sets
and computer monitors?
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public from harmful
radiation emissions from these consumer products.