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Safety
Can I minimize my RF exposure?
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take
to minimize your RF exposure. You can, of course, reduce your talk time.
You can place more distance between your body and the source of the RF,
as the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. The FDA/FCC
website states that “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.” Also, if you
use your wireless phone while in a car, you can use a phone with an
antenna on the outside of the vehicle. You should also read and follow your
wireless phone manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of your
phone.
Do wireless phones pose any special risks to children?
The FDA/FCC website states that “the scientific evidence does not show a
danger to users of wireless communication devices, including children.”
The FDA/FCC website further states that “some groups sponsored by
other national governments have advised that children be discouraged from
using wireless phones at all”. For example, the Stewart Report from the
United Kingdom [“UK”] made such a recommendation in December 2000.
In this report a group of independent experts noted that no evidence exists
that using a cell phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. [The UK’s]
recommendation to limit cell phone use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists. A copy of the UK’s leaflet is available at http://www.dh.gov.uk
(search “mobile”), or you can write to: NRPB, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11
ORQ, United Kingdom. Copies of the UK’s annual reports on mobile phones
and RF are available online at www.iegmp.org.uk and http://www.hpa.org.
uk/radiation/ (search “mobile”). Parents who wish to reduce their children’s
RF exposure may choose to restrict their children’s wireless phone use.