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distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in
December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using
a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their
recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was
strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence
that any health hazard exists.
11 What about wireless phone interference with medical
equipment?
Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless phones can interact
with some electronic devices. For this reason, the FDA helped
develop a detailed test method to measure Electro Magnetic
Interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and
defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is
now part of a standard sponsored by the Association for the
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The final
draft, a joint effort by the FDA, medical device manufacturers,
and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This
standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone
EMI.
The FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld
wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary standard
sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
(IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance
requirements for hearing aids and wireless phones so that no
interference occurs when a person uses a “compatible” phone
and a “compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard
was approved by the IEEE in 2000.
The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones
for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should