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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.
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:
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