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Safety
The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit connected
to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower
power levels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC’s
compliance limits.
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health
problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no
proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless
phones emit low levels of radiofrequency 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
radiofrequency 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
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