Safety 289

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg.

200 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20201

Voice: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html

FDA Consumer Update

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for

Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update on

Mobile Phones:

1. 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 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

Page 291
Image 291
LG Electronics Vortex, MFL67011201(1.0)G manual FDA Consumer Update