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A P P E N D I X
radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to
children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless
phone use and increasing the distance between the user and the RF source will
reduce RF exposure. Some groups sponsored by other national governments have
advised that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For
example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing
such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists
that using a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their
recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard
exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF
emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free
kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These
systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone,
which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On
the other hand, if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of the
body during use, then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless
phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless
of whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either
configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiation
work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the
head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the
user from RF absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing
more than a metallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that
these products generally do not work as advertised. Unlike "hand-free" kits, these
so-called "shields" may interfere with proper operation of the phone. The phone
may be forced to boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF
absorption. In February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two
companies that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users from
radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these
defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their claim.
How does FCC Audit Cell Phone RF?
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