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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 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