Samsung SGH-i617 User Manual page 204

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.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiation
work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless
phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the
head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the
user from RF absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing
more than a metallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that
these products generally do not work as advertised. Unlike "hand-free" kits,
these so-called "shields" may interfere with proper operation of the phone. The
phone may be forced to boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase in
RF absorption. In February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged
two companies that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users
from radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC,
these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their claim.
What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some
electronic devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method
to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers
and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a
standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device
manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This
standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and
defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has tested wireless phones
Section 18: Health and Safety Information 203