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For Your Safety 124
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 device interference with medical
equipment?
Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless 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 telephones. 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 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 devices
so that no interference occurs when a person uses a “compatible” device and a
“compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard was approved by the
IEEE in 2000.
The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless devices for possible
interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference be found
to occur, the FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to
resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
FDA web page on wireless devices
(
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsa
ndProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/CellPhones/default.htm
)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
)
International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection
(
http://www.icnirp.de
)
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