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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.
11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure
electromagnetic 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 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.
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 accompanied hearing aid at the same
time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000.
FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones for possible interactions with
other medical devices. Should harmful interference be found to occur, 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/cdrh/phones/index.html
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
http://www.icnirp.de
• World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project
http://www.who.int/emf
• National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
http://www.nrpb.org.uk/
July 18, 2001 For updates: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones
2260.ENv1_9355957_.book Page 120 Wednesday, February 26, 2003 11:27 AM