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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 harmful
interference be found to occur, the FDA will conduct testing to
assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
FDA web page on wireless phones (http://www.fda.gov), under “C”
in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research.
Safety