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131
For Your Safety
1. Do tablets pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated
with using tablets.
There is no proof, however, that tablets are absolutely safe. Tablets 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 tablets?
Under the law, the FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer
products such as tablets before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical
devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if tablets 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 tablets to notify users of the health hazard and
to repair, replace, or recall the tablets so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data does not justify FDA regulatory actions, the FDA
has urged the tablet industry to take a number of steps, including the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by
tablets;
• Design tablets in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not
necessary for device function; and
• Cooperate in providing users of tablets with the best possible information on possible
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