LG E972 User Manual page 17

2. What is the FDA's role concerning
the safety of wireless 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 energy (RF) 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.
Although the existing scientific data do
not justify FDA regulatory actions, the 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;
• 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 of wireless
phones with the best possible
information on possible effects of
wireless phone use on human health.
The 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
• Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (Administración de la
seguridad y salud laborales)
• Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
• National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health
participates in some interagency working
group activities, as well.
The FDA shares regulatory responsibilities
for wireless phones with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). All
phones that are sold in the United States
must comply with FCC safety guidelines
that limit RF exposure. The FCC relies on
the FDA and other health agencies for
safety questions about wireless phones.
15