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2. What is the FDA’s role
concerning the safety of
wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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, the 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, the 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 is not necessary for
device function; and
Cooperate in providing of wireless •
phones with the best possible
information on possible effects
of wireless phone use on human
health.
The FDA belongs to an
interagency working group
of the federal agencies that
have responsibility for different
aspects of RF safety to ensure
coordinated efforts at the federal
level. The following agencies
belong to this working group:
National Institute for Occupational •
Safety and Health
Environmental Protection Agency•
Occupational Safety and Health •
Administration (Administración de
la seguridad y salud laborales)