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exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies

have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but

such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.

In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in

reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for

inconsistent results.

2. What is the FDA’s role concerning the safety of tablets?

Under the law, the FDA does not review the safety of

radiation-emitting consumer products such as tablets before

they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices.

However, the agency has authority to take action if tablets are

shown to emit Radio Frequency (RF) energy at a level that is

hazardous to the user. In such a case, the FDA could require

the manufacturers of tablets to notify users of the health

hazard and to repair, replace, or recall the tablets so that the

hazard no longer exists.

Although the existing scientific data does not justify FDA

regulatory actions, the FDA has urged the tablet industry to

take a number of steps, including the following:

• Support needed research into possible biological effects of

RF of the type emitted by tablets;

• Design tablets in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to

the user that is not necessary for device function; and

• Cooperate in providing users of tablets with the best

possible information on possible effects of tablet use on

human health.

The FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the

federal agencies that have responsibility for different aspects

of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level.

The following agencies belong to this working group:

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• National Telecommunications and Information

Administration

The National Institutes of Health participates in some

interagency working group activities, as well.

The FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for tablets with the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All tablets that

are sold in the United States must comply with FCC safety

guidelines that limit RF exposure. The FCC relies on the FDA

and other health agencies for safety questions about tablets.