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Appendix C: Consumer update on wireless phones
168
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
Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best
possible information on possible effects of wireless phone
use on human health
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal
agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of RF
safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. The
following agencies belong to this working group:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Environmental Protection Agency Federal Communications
Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some
interagency working group activities, as well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All phones that