User's Manual

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Performance, Maintenance, and Safety
Many factors affect this measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held and
which phone model is used.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless
phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and with groups of
investigators around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to
address important questions about the effects of exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) project since its inception in 1996. An influential result of
this work has been the development of a detailed agenda of research needs, which has
driven the establishment of new research programs around the world. The project has
also helped develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include both
laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a
broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my
wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products (and at this point it is unknown whether there is), it is
probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can
take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since
time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time
spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
!
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could
place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the
exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a
headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body, or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data
do not
demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.