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distance between your body and the source of the RF,
since the exposure level drops off dramatically with
distance. For example, you could use a headset and
carry the wireless phone away from your body or use
a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that
wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned
about the RF exposure from these products, you can
use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
6. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to
users of wireless phones, including children and
teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF), the
measures described above would apply to children
and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the
time of wireless phone use and increasing the
distance between the user and the RF source will
reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national
governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For
example, the government in the United Kingdom
distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation
in December 2000. They noted that no evidence
exists that using a wireless phone causes brain
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.
7. Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce
risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF
emissions from wireless phones, there is no reason to
believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free
kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience
and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of
RF energy in the head because the phone, which is
the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed
against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is
mounted against the waist or other part of the body
during use, then that part of the body will absorb
more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the
U.S. are required to meet safety requirements
regardless of whether they are used against the head
or against the body. Either configuration should result
in compliance with the safety limit.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the
head from RF radiation work?
