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radiofrequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being used.
They also emit very low levels of RF
when in the standby 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.
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
radiofrequency 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 users 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
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Safety Guidelines
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