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Message from the FDA
14
energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives,
reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you
could place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the
exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a
headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful.
But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use
measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless
phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones,
including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to
radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children
and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and
increasing the distance between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children
be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in
the United Kingdom 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.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones,
there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can
be used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce
the absorption of RF energy in the head because the phone, which is the source of
the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone
is mounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part
of the body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are
required to meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are used against
the head or against the body. Either configuration should result in compliance with
the safety limit.