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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg.
200 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20201
Voice: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html
FDA Consumer Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for
Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update on
Mobile Phones:
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not 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 standby 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
Safety
