The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a series of Questions
and Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from wireless
phones. The FDA publication includes the following information:
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:
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“Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type
emitted by wireless phones;
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“Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the
user that is not necessary for device function; and
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“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:
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“National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
