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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.
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
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