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LGLEManual_1006_06.qxd
F DA Consu mer Update
1. Do w i r eless phones pose a hea lth ha za rd ?
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 (RF) energy 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.
2 . W hat i s the F DA ' s role con cern i ng the saf e ty of
w i r eless phones ?
Under the law, the 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
(RF) energy at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a
case, the 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.
108
11/1/06
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for
Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update
on Mobile Phones:
8:46 AM
Page 108
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