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Health and safety information
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 the federal level. The following agencies
belong to this working group:
•
"National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health
•
"Environmental Protection Agency
•
"Federal Communications Commission
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