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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, 2001For updates: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones