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tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless phone use by
children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any
health hazard exists.
11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless phones can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, the FDA helped develop a detailed test method to
measure Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and
defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard
sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
The final draft, a joint effort by the FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many
other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to
ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI.
The FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless phones
and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance
requirements for hearing aids and wireless phones so that no interference occurs
when a person uses a “compatible” phone and a “compatible” hearing aid at the
same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000.
The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones for possible interactions
with other medical devices. Should harmful interference be found to occur, the FDA
will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
