What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held wireless phones with
built-in antennas, often called “cell,” “mobile,” or “PCS” phones. These
types of wireless phones can expose the user to measurable radio
frequency energy (RF) because of the short distance between the phone
and the user's head. These RF exposures are limited by Federal
Communications Commission safety guidelines that were developed with
the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety agencies. When the
phone is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF is
drastically lower because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with
increasing distance from the source. The so-called “cordless phones,”
which have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house,
typically operate at far lower power levels, and thus produce RF
exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems
are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however,
that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels
of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used.
They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas
high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure
to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known
adverse health effects. Many studies of 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
