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Safety
NationaInstitute for
OccupationaSafety and Health
Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg.
200 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20201
Voice: 1-800-35-NIOSH
(1-800-356-4674)
Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/
noise/default.html
FDA Consumer Update
The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration's
Center for Devices and
RadiologicaHealth Consumer
Update on Mobile Phones:
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, however, that wireless
phones are absolutely safe.
Wireless phones emit low levels of
Radio Frequency (RF) energy in
the microwave range while being
used. They also emit very low
levels of RF when in standby mode.
Whereas high levels of RF can
98
produce health effects (by heating
tissue), exposure to low leveRF
that does not produce heating
effects causes no known adverse
health effects. Many studies of
low leveRF exposures have not
found any biologicaeffects. Some
studies have suggested that
some biologicaeffects may occur,
but such findings have not been
confirmed by additionaresearch. 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
wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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 medicadevices. However,
the agency has authority to take
action if wireless phones are shown
to emit Radio Frequency (RF)
energy at a levethat is hazardous
to the user. In such a case, the FDA
could require the manufacturers
of wireless phones to notify users
of the health hazard and to repair,
replace, or recalthe phones so that
the hazard no longer exists.
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