2. What is the FDA's role concerning the safety of
wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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, the 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, the 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.
The 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
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in
some interagency working group activities, as well.
The 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.
The FCC relies on the FDA and other health agencies
for safety questions about wireless phones.
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