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Regulatory notices
167
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