Jitterbug J User Manual

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HealthandSafetyInformation

134HealthandSafetyInformation

HealthandSafetyInformation

HealthandSafetyInformation135

with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are

absolutelysafe.Wirelessphonesemitlowlevelsofradiofrequency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ndingshavenotbeenconrmedbyadditionalresearch.Insomecases,

otherresearchershavehaddifculty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 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scientic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.

• Cooperateinprovidingusersofwirelessphoneswiththebestpossibleinformation

on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.

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

• EnvironmentalProtectionAgency

• FederalCommunicationsCommission

• OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration

• NationalTelecommunicationsandInformationAdministration

The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working group

1008301_GreatCall_jB_HowToGuide_R6.indd 144-145 10/13/10 12:12 PM

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User Manual - Page 74