Many consumer and industrial products make use of some form of electromagnetic energy. Because of its regulatory responsibilities in this area the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) often receives inquiries concerning the potential safety hazards of human exposure to radio-frequency (RF) energy. The information on this page provides answers and information to inquiries regarding RF Safety.
Background
FCC Policy on Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields
The FCC is required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,among other things, to evaluate the effect of emissions from FCC-regulated transmitters on the quality of the human environment. Several organizations, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE),and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) have issued recommendations for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields. On August 1, 1996, the Commission adopted the NCRP's recommended Maximum Permissible Exposure limits for field strength and power density for the transmitters operating at frequencies of 300 kHz to 100 GHz. In addition, the Commission adopted the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits for devices operating within close proximity to the body as specified within the ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 guidelines. (See Report and Order, FCC96-326) The Commission's requirements are detailed in Parts 1 and 2 of the FCC's Rules and Regulations [47 C.F.R. 1.1307(b), 1.1310, 2.1091, 2.1093]. The potential hazards associated with RF electromagnetic fields are discussed in OET Bulletin No. 56, "Questions and Answers About the Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields."
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5/18/10
INTERPHONE Study: The large international epidemiological study, Interphone,examining the correlation between brain tumors and cell phone use has been released. The study concluded among other things that, “[o]verall, no increase in risk of either glioma or meningiomas was observed in association with use of mobile phones. There were suggestions of an increase risk of glioma, and much less so meningioma, at the highest exposure levels [but]biases and errors limit the strength of the conclusions that we can draw from these analyses and prevent a causal interpretation.” The US Food and Drug Administration stated that, “available scientific evidence—including World Health Organization (WHO) findings [INTERPHONE study] released May 17,2010—shows no increased health risk due to radio frequency (RF) energy, a form of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by cell phones.” INTERPHONE Study: [PDF]
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Human Exposure to RF
- Radio frequency Energy FAQs This section contains answers to the most frequently asked questions receive d by the Commission concerning RF fields and their application. Also, see OET Bulletin 56 and a brief addendum (added in 1997) regarding guidelines for evaluating human exposure.
Consumer Facts:
- Cell Phones: Wireless Devices and Health Concerns
- Towers: Cellular and PCS sites
- Human Exposure from Vehicle Mounted Antennas
- General Wireless Device FAQ's
Cellular Telephone Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The SAR is a value that corresponds to the relative amount of RF energy absorbed in the head of a user of a wireless handset. The FCC limit for public exposure from cellular telephones is an SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Wireless Phones and Devices Available at FCC Web Site. Please see the SAR information page on the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau for links to cellular phone manufacturers.
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OET RF Safety Publications
OET Bulletin No. 56: Questions and Answers About Biological Effects Potential Hazards of Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields (Fourth Edition, August 1999)
This is an informative bulletin written as a result of increasing interest and concern of the public with respect to this issue. The expanding use of radio frequency technology has resulted in speculation concerning the alleged "electromagnetic pollution" of the environment and the potential dangers of exposure to non-ionizing radiation. This publication is designed to provide factual information to the public by answering some of the most commonly asked questions.
OET Bulletin No. 65: Evaluating Compliance With FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields
This technical bulletin was issued to provide guidance in the implementation of the Commission's new exposure limits and policies. The bulletin provides acceptable methods of determining compliance Commission limits through the use of mathematical and empirical models.
- Supplement A: Additional Information for Radio and Television Broadcast Stations
- Supplement B: Additional Information for Amateur Radio Stations
- Supplement C: Additional Information for Evaluating Compliance of Mobile and Portable Devices with FCC Limits for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Emissions
A Local Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety: Rules, Procedures, and Practical Guidance. The LSGAC and the FCC have developed this guide to aid local governmental officials and citizens in understanding safety issues related to radio frequency emissions from telecommunications towers. [Word97 | Acrobat | News Release]
Software
FM Model for Windows Software Program
FM Model, a program created by Commission staff, is based on a model originally developed by the EPA, to predict ground-level RF power density in the vicinity of towers supporting FM radio broadcast antennas. This model has been found to be very useful for applications when it is desired to predict RF field levels on the ground near simple FM radio installations. If you have any questions about this program please contact the RF Safety Program.
RF Safety Quick Links
FDA Website
Visit the FDA consumer information wireless phone website.
RF Safety bulletins
Bulletin 56 Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Bulletin 65 Evaluating Compliance With FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields
