The Innovation, Science and Economic Development department of Canada publishes important RF energy and safety information to educate consumers.
What You Need to Know About RF Energy
Q: What is radiofrequency (RF) energy?
A: It is a natural, or human-made form of electromagnetic energy. An example of natural RF energy is light, an example of human-made RF energy is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signal.
Q: Why is RF energy important?
A: Almost all areas of your daily life uses RF energy. Radiofrequency keeps you connected by allowing wireless products to operate and communicate.
Q: Does RF energy affect your health?
A: Higher frequency RF energy may result in tissue heating, while short-term exposure from lower frequency RF may produce nerve stimulation.
Q: How does am I being protected from RF energy?
A: There are limits to the allowed power of RF energy set forth by the government of Canada to prevent potentially harmful health effects.
Q: What amount of RF exposure is considered safe?
A: Levels of exposure falling below the allowed RF exposure limits set forth by ISED Canada.
What You Need to Know About SAR
Q: What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?
A: It is the rate at which RF energy emitted from a wireless device is absorbed by the body (per volume of tissue) when the device operates in close proximity to the body.
Q: What are the SAR limits?
A: Devices used near the head and torso have a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg per gram of tissue. Wireless devices used near the limbs have a SAR limit of 4 W/kg in 10 grams of tissue.
Q: Are the SAR limits the same around the world?
A: Not all. Canada and the United States use the same limits, but other countries adopt different limits that may be less stringent.
Q: How should I be using my cell phone or other wireless devices?
A: Information for users regarding distance required to be maintained between body and wireless device is provded by the manufacturer.
Q: Where can I find SAR values and compliance distance for my wireless devices?
A: User manual, device settings, manufacturer's website, or ISED Radio Equipment Search Tool.