Table of Contents
Advertisement
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.
xlv
Advertisement
Table of Contents
