User guide

FDA CONSUMER
UPDATE
125
SAFETY AND
WARRANTY
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 radiofre-
quency 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 biologi-
cal 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 neces-
sary for device function;
and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones
with the best possible information on pos-
sible effects of wireless phone use on human
health.
FDA CONSUMER
UPDATE
124
1. 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, how-
ever, that wireless phones are absolutely safe.
Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofre-
quency 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 tis-
sue), exposure to low level RF that does not pro-
duce 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 biologi-
cal 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 FDA’s role concerning the safety
of wireless phones?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Center for Devices and
Radiological Health Consumer
Update on Wireless Phones
SAFETY AND
WARRANTY
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