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What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held wireless phones with built-in antennas, often called "cell,"
"mobile," or "PCS" phones. These types of wireless phones can expose the user to measurable radio frequency
energy (RF) because of the short distance between the phone and the user's head. These RF exposures are limited
by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that were developed with the advice of FDA and other
federal health and safety agencies.
When the phone is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower because a
person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the source. The so-called "cordless phones,"
which have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower power levels,
and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.
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
radio frequency 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.
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 radio frequency 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
t459.book Page 129 Tuesday, October 7, 2008 1:26 PM