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Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless tablet will reduce RF exposure.
•"If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless tablet every day, you could
place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and
carry the wireless tablet away from your body or use a wireless tablet connected to a
remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless tablets are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like
those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless tablet use.
What about children using wireless tablets?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless tablets, including
children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency
energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless tablets. Reducing the time of wireless tablet use and increasing the distance
between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless tablets at all. For example, the government in the United
Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They
noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless tablet causes brain tumors or other ill
effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless tablet use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless tablets reduce risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless tablets,
there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be
used with wireless tablets for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the
absorption of RF energy in the head because the tablet, which is the source of the RF
emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the tablet 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 tablets 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 tablet accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless tablets,
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 tablet cases, while others involve nothing more than a metallic accessory
attached to the tablet. Studies have shown that these products generally do not work as
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