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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 FD
A’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
Summary of Contents for CDM2030
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