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A d d i t i o n a l s a f e t y i n f o r m a t i o n
Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are
associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that
wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of
radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They
also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas high
levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low
level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse
health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found any
biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects
may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.
In some cases, other 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?
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
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