Health and Safety Information 109
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.
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