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10. What about children using tablets?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of tablets, including children
and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to Radio Frequency (RF)
energy, the measures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
tablets. Reducing the time of tablet use and increasing the distance between the user
and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless devices at all. For example, the government in the
United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December
2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless device causes brain
tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless device use by children
was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists.
11. What about wireless communications device interference with medical
equipment?
Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless communications devices can interact
with some electronic devices. For this reason, the FDA helped develop a detailed
test method to measure Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless devices. This test method is now part of a
standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
(AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by the FDA, medical device manufacturers, and
many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers
to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless
communications device EMI.
The FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless devices
and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance
requirements for hearing aids and wireless communications devices so that no
For Your Safety
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