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Health and safety information
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 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.
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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 radio frequency 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
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