Non-Ionizing Radiation From Wireless Technology

EPA does not regulate the non-ionizing radiation from wireless technology, and does not maintain expertise in this area. For more information, please visit the links below.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

In the United States, the FCC sets safety guidelines that limit RF energy exposure. They license transmitters and facilities that generate RF energy. The FCC has adopted exposure limits for RF energy. All hand-held wireless devices sold in the United States must comply with these limits.

Radiation-emitting Products: Cell Phones
This webpage provides consumers with information about the FDA’s role in cell phone regulation and provides links to additional information.

Wireless Devices and Health Concerns
This webpage addresses FCC’s role in wireless device safety and provides research findings.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Cellular Telephones
This webpage discusses the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and provides cell phone manufacturer specific information. The Specific Absorption Rate is a measure of the amount of RF energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA works with the FCC to regulate wireless medical devices. The FDA can also act if wireless phones are found to emit levels of RF energy determined to be dangerous.

Wireless Medical Devices
This webpage discusses different ways that medical devices can use RF technology.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO studies EMF and RF and invites scientists from all over the world to collaborate on their research.

Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile telephones and their base stations
This fact sheet provides information about the health effects from exposure to RF energy.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training.

Cell Phones and Cancer Risk
This webpage provides answers to commonly asked questions about cell phones and RF energy.

The Health Physics Society (HPS)

The HPS is a group of scientists that research and make recommendations about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation topics. They also produce informational reports, fact sheets, and websites to help people understand more about radiation. The Society is chartered in the United States as an independent nonprofit scientific organization, and is not affiliated with any government, industrial organization or private entity.

Cell Phones and 5G Technology Fact sheet (pdf) (1,314 KB)
This fact sheet gives information on mobile telephone use and the electromagnetic spectrum.

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)

The NCRP’s mission is to support radiation protection by providing independent scientific analysis, information and recommendations that represent the consensus of leading scientists.

Science of Radio Frequency (RF) – Wireless Technology and Telecommunications
This page provides additional facts about wireless technology, telecommunications and cell phones.