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118
For Your Safety
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
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