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Health and Safety Information 190
CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include
both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad assessment of
additional research needs in the context of the latest research developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products - and at this point we do not know that there is - it is probably very small. But
if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives,
reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
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If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your body
and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset
and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the
RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure
from wireless phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones, including children and teenagers. If
you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency energy (RF), the measures described above would
apply to children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and increasing
the distance between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be discouraged from using
wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a
recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless phone causes brain
tumors or other ill effects.
Their recommendation to limit wireless phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on
scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
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