Appendix B Message From The Fda - Nokia 5140 User Manual

A p p e n d i c e s

Appendix B Message from the FDA

Message from the FDA
©July 18, 2001 For updates: www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones
• Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? The available scientific evidence does
not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones.
There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless
phones emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range
while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the standby
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: 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 wireless phone use on human
health. FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that
have responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts
at the federal level. The following agencies belong to this working group: National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Environmental Protection Agency
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