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Subelement Q: SAFETY— Topic 99: Radiation Exposure

Question 3-99Q3

Element 3 (GROL)

RF exposure from portable radio transceivers may be harmful to the eyes because:

Explanation
RF exposure from portable radio transceivers can be harmful to the eyes because RF energy absorbed by the eye tissues can cause heating. The lens of the eye is particularly susceptible to heat damage due to its limited blood supply, which makes it inefficient at dissipating heat. Prolonged or intense heating can denature the proteins in the lens, leading to clouding, a condition known as cataracts. This is why FCC regulations establish RF exposure limits to prevent excessive localized heating. Option A is incorrect as typical RF magnetic fields do not directly cause vision blur. Option B is incorrect; RF heating causes physical damage, not polarization of the lens. Option C is incorrect; the magnetic fields from portable radios are far too weak to attract metal particles.

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