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Health and safety information
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 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
62
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
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