A probe attached to a mechanical arm is directed to take SAR
measurements throughout a human-shaped mold. The mold is filled
with a liquid mixture that simulates the electrical properties
of human tissue.  Photo courtesy U.S. General Accounting Office
Testing for Radiation  Every cell-phone model has to be tested
and meet FCC standards before it is allowed to be sold in the
United States. Testing is primarily done by the manufacturers
themselves, which creates some uncertainty about the testing
procedures, according to a GAO report.  The exposure limit set
by the FCC for cell phones is based on the overall heating
effects of radio-frequency energy. The exposure limit was
established by the FCC in 1996. A year later, the FCC published
non-mandatory testing guidelines that helped manufacturers
comply with exposure limits. The FCC still allows other testing
techniques once an FCC review of the procedures is completed.
Radiation levels are tested based on the specific absorption
rate (SAR), which is a way of me