Nokia 6020b User Manual page 116

A P P E N D I X
researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in
determining the reasons for inconsistent results.
2. What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
• 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
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
radiofrequency 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.
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
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency
working group activities, as well.
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. FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks
rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power than do
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