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phones can expose the user to measurable
radiofrequency energy (RF) because of the short distance
between the phone and the user's head. These RF
exposures are limited by Federal Communications
Commission safety guidelines that were developed with
the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety
agencies. When the phone is located at greater distances
from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower
because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with
increasing distance from the source. The so-called
"cordless phones," which have a base unit connected to
the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far
lower power levels, and thus produce RF exposures well
within the FCC's compliance limits.
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
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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.
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 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.
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:
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