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Safety
levels of Radio Frequency (RF) energy in the microwave range while
being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in 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 radiationemitting
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 (RF) energy 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