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Appendix C: Consumer Update on Wireless Phones
178
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.
3. 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