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Safety
wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of
Radio Frequency (RF) energy in the microwave range while being used.
They also emit very low levels of RF when in standby 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.
2. What is the FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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 (RF) energy at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a
case, the 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,
the 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
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible
information on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.
The FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies
that have responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure