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radiofrequency 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 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.
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 radiofrequency 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 scientific 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; and
- 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:
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working group activities, as well.
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. FCC
relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone networks rely upon. While these base stations
operate at higher power than do the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these
base stations are typically thousands of times lower than those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations
are thus not the primary subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators around the world to
ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to address important questions about the effects of
exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
Project since its inception in 1996. An influential result of this work has been the development of a detailed
agenda of research needs that has driven the establishment of new research programs around the world. The
Project has also helped develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research
and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific
oversight, obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded
research is conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include both
laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad assessment of
additional research needs in the context of the latest research developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is probably very small. But if
you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives,
reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For
example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the
RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure
from wireless phone use.
Summary of Contents for LeDIX
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