ISED Provides Radiofrequency Energy and Safety Guidance for Consumers

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.

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