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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.
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
Health and safety information
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.
