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10
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 Radio Frequency (RF)
energy in the microwave range while being
used. They also emit very low levels of RF
when in idle 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.
2. 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 (RF) energy
at a level that is hazardous to the user. In
such a case, the 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 phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that
minimizes any RF exposure to the user
that is not necessary for device function;
and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless
phones with the best possible 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
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
• National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates
in some interagency working group activities,
as well.
The FDA shares regulatory responsibilities
for wireless phones with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). All
phones that are sold in the United States
must comply with FCC safety guidelines that
limit RF exposure. The FCC relies on the
FDA and other health agencies for safety
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