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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. 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.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA
regulatory actions, 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 users of wireless phones with the best
possible information on possible effects of wireless phone use
on human health.
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
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