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Health and safety information
What is FDA'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 radio frequency 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 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 phones with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). All
phones that are sold in the United States
must comply with FCC safety guidelines that
