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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
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.
Safety and usage information
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
•
"Federal Communications Commission
•
"Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
•
"National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
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