Advertisement
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.
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;
12
•
"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
Advertisement
