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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 medical devices. However, the agency has
authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to
emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is
hazardous to the user. In such a case, the FDA c o u l d
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, the FDA has urged the wireless
phone industry to take a number of steps, including the
f o l l o w i n g :
•
Support needed research into possible biological
e ffects 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.
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