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SAFETY AND WARRANTY
U.S. Food and Drug Administration -
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
146
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 CONSUMER UPDATE