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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.
Health and safety information
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
following agencies belong to this working group:
• “National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health
• “Environmental Protection Agency
• “Federal Communications Commission
•“Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• “National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in
some interagency working group activities, as
well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless
phones with the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC). All phones that are sold in the United States must
comply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure.
FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless
phone networks rely upon. While these base stations
operate at higher power than do the wireless phones
themselves, the RF exposures that people get from these
base stations are typically thousands of times lower than
those they can get from wireless phones. Base stations
are thus not the primary subject of the safety questions
discussed in this document.
