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7.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF
emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from
wireless phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce
risks. Hands-free kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience
and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head
because the phone, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be
placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is mounted against
the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the body will
absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required
to meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are used against
the head or against the body. Either configuration should result in
compliance with the safety limit.
8.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF
radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from
wireless phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to
shield the head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that
claim to shield the user from RF absorption use special phone cases, while
others involve nothing more than a metallic accessory attached to the
phone. Studies have shown that these products generally do not work as
advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-called “shields” may interfere
with proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boost its
power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF absorption. In February
2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two companies that
sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users from radiation with
making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these
defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their claim.
9.
What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some
electronic devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test
method to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is
now part of a standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement
of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA,