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example, the government in the United Kingdom
distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation
in December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists
that using a wireless phone causes brain tumors or
other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit
wireless phone use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence
that any health hazard exists.
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.
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
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