Mitel VX6100 - Manual (Page 58)

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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 the FDA done to measure the radio frequency energy
coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is developing a
technical standard for measuring the radio frequency 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.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency
energy from my wireless phone?
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 energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how
much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using
a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure. If you must conduct extended
conversations by wireless phone 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 phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data do not
demonstrate that wireless phones 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 phone use.
Safety Safety
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the possible
health effects of wireless phone RF?
The 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 radio frequency energy (RF).
The 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
to do research on wireless phone safety. The FDA provides the scientific
oversight, obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and
academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through
contracts with 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 radio frequency 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 radio frequency
energy (RF) exposures. The FCC established these guidelines in consultation
with the 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/
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