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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 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 it 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.
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