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Section 12
Section 12: Health and Safety Information 132
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