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Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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 radiofrequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the
stand-by 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 FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a
case, 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, 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 users of wireless phones with the best possible information
on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.
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 following agencies belong to this working group:
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Communications Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working group
activities, as well.