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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
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 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
Safety Guidelines