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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 radio frequency 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.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield
the head from RF radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions
from wireless phones, there is no reason to believe that
accessories that claim to shield the head from those emissions
reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the user from RF