UTStarcom XV6600 User Manual page 171

For More information, please refer to:
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones
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.
What is the FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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 does not justify FDA regulatory actions, the 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
n
phones;
Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not
n
necessary for device function; and
Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible
n
information on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health
The 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
n
Environmental Protection Agency
n
Federal Communications Commission
n
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
n
XV6600 User Manual 163