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A A p p p p e e n n d d i i x x
Appendix C: Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
1. What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held
wireless phones with built-in antennas, often called cell,
mobile, or PCS phones. These types of wireless phones
can expose the user to measurable radiofrequency
energy (RF) because of the short distance between the
phone and the user s head. These RF exposures are
limited by Federal Communications Commission safety
guidelines that were developed with the advice of FDA
and other federal health and safety agencies. When the
phone is located at greater distances from the user, the
exposure to RF is drastically lower because a person's RF
exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance
from the source. The so-called "cordless phones," which
have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a
house, typically operate at far lower power levels, and
thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's
compliance limits.
2. 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
radiofrequency 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
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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.
3. 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 radiofrequency 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
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