Filter
Top Products
Section 12
186
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.
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