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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.
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
Federal Communications Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency
working group activities, as well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless devices with the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All wireless devices 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 devices.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless device networks
rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher power than do the
portable wireless devices themselves, the RF exposures that people get
from these base stations are typically thousands of times lower than those
they can get from wireless devices. Base stations are thus not the subject
of the safety questions discussed in this document.