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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 radio frequency 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 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.
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