ER10VW
059
ARE WIRELESS PHONES SAFE?
Scientifi c research on the subject of wireless phones and radio frequency (“RF”) energy has been
conducted worldwide for many years, and continues. In the United States, the Food and Drug
Administration (“FDA”) and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) set policies and
procedures for wireless phones. The FDA issued a website publication on health issues related to
cell phone usage where it states, “The scientifi c community at large … believes that the weight
of scientifi c evidence does not show an association between exposure to radiofrequency (RF)
from cell phones and adverse health outcomes. Still the scientifi c community does recommend
conducting additional research to address gaps in knowledge. That research is being conducted
around the world and FDA continues to monitor developments in this fi eld.” You can access the
FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/cellphones. You can also contact the FDA toll-free at (888)
463-6332 or (888) INFO-FDA. The FCC issued its own website publication stating that “[t]here is no
scientifi c evidence that proves that wireless telephone usage can lead to cancer or other problems,
including headaches, dizziness or memory loss.” This publication is available at http://www.fcc.
gov/cgb/consumerfacts/mobilephone.html or through the FCC at (888) 225-5322 or (888) CALLFCC.
The National Cancer Institute (“NCI”) states that concerns about the potential health eff ects of using
cellular phones ? “and specifi cally the suggestion that using a cell phone may increase a
person’s risk of developing brain cancer ? are not supported by a growing body of research on the
subject.” You can access NCI’s review of the research at http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/
NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_092308/page7.
WHAT DOES “SAR” MEAN?
In 1996, the FCC, working with the FDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other
agencies, established RF exposure safety guidelines for wireless phones in the United States. Before
a wireless phone model is available for sale to the public, it must be tested by the manufacturer
and certifi ed to the FCC that it does not exceed limits established by the FCC. One of these limits is
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