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Safety
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 devices?
Under the law, the FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting
consumer products such as wireless devices before they can be sold, as it
does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has
authority to take action if wireless devices 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 devices to notify
users of the health hazard and to repair, replace, or recall the wireless
devices so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions,
the FDA has urged the wireless device 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 devices;
•
Design wireless devices 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 devices with the best possible
information on possible effects of wireless device 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
Summary of Contents for GizmoPal 2
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