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FDA Consumer Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update on
Mobile Phones.
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using
wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones
emit low levels of radio frequency (RF) energy in the microwave range while being used. They also emit
very low levels of RF when in the home screen 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 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:
v
Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless phones;
v
Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not necessary for
device function; and
v
Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on possible effects
of wireless phone use on human health.
Safety Guidelines