Nokia 1221 User Manual

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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.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) 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 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.