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Safety
k 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 radiofrequency 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.
k 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 radiofrequency 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: