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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 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
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
Safety Guidelines