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7. 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.
8. 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 absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing
more than a metallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that these products generally do
not work as advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-called “shields” may interfere with proper
operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase
in RF absorption. In February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two companies that
sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users from radiation with making false and
unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their
claim.
9. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic devices. For this
reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of
implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of
a standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The
final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed