Sagem OT8X0 Series Manual page 53

FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All phones
that are sold in the United States must comply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA and
other health agencies for safety questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks rely upon. While these base stations operate at
higher power than do the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these base stations are
typically thousands of times lower than those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations are thus not the primary
subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators around the world to ensure that
high priority animal studies are conducted to address important questions about the effects of exposure to radiofrequency
energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project
since its inception in 1996. An influential result of this work has been the development of a detailed agenda of research
needs that has driven the establishment of new research programs around the world. The Project has also helped develop a
series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through
contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone
users. The CRADA will also include a broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is probably very small. But if you are
concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radiofrequency
energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a
wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your
body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a
headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF
exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless
phone use.
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Certification and safety information for the United States and countries using FCC standards