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SAFETY AND WARRANTY
FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
U.S. Food and Drug Administration -Center for Devices and
Radiological Health Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
1. 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 radiofrequency 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.
2. 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
radiofrequency 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
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
SAFETY AND WARRANTY
