User's Manual

E-11
Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue),
exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes
no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low
level RF 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.
k What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless
phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting
consumer products such as wireless phones before they can be sold,
as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency
has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to emit
radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In
such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones
to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the
phones so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions,
FDA has urged the wireless phone industry to take a number of steps,
including the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the
type emitted by wireless phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the
user that is not necessary for device function; and