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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-emit-
ting 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
(RF) energy at a level
that is hazardous to the
user. In such a case,
the 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 does not
justify FDA regulatory
actions, the FDA has
urged the wireless
phone industry to take
a number of steps,
including the following:
•
Support needed
research into possible
biological effects
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
27
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