109
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
radio frequency 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.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger
to users of wireless phones, including children
and teenagers. If you want to take steps to
lower exposure to radio frequency energy (RF),
the measures described above would apply to
children and teenagers using wireless phones.
Reducing the time of wireless phone use and
increasing the distance between the user and
the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
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important questions about the effects of
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
The 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.
The FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications &
Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. The 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 radio frequency 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
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