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What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless
phone?
If there is a risk from these products - and at this point we do not know that there is - it is
probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you
can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
•"If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could
place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and
carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a
remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones, including
children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency
energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and increasing the distance
between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the
United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December
2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless phone causes brain
tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children
was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard
exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones,
there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be
used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the
absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone, which is the source of the RF
emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is
mounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the body
will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet
safety requirements regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the
body. Either configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
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