User's Manual

FDA consumer information on wireless phones 81

FDA consumer information on wireless phones

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides consumer information on wireless phones

at:http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/qa.html

Following are safety related questions and answers discussed at this web site:

Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?

The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There

is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy

(RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. 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.

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

- Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible effects of wireless phone

use on human health.

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

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