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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.
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.
FDA Consumer Update