FDA Consumer Update

RD6000-E.qxd 6/18/04 9:57 AM Page 92

RD6000

Posted Facilities

Turn your phone OFF in any facility where posted notices so require.

Aircraft

FCC regulations prohibit using your phone while in the air.

Switch OFF your phone before boarding an aircraft.

Blasting Areas

To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your phone

OFF when in a “blasting area” or in areas posted: “Turn off two- way radio”. Obey all signs and instructions.

Potentially Explosive Atmosphere

Turn your phone OFF when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.

Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always marked clearly. Potential areas may include: fueling areas (such as gasoline stations); below deck on boats; fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities; vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane); areas where the air contains chemicals or particles (such as grain, dust, or metal powders); and any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine.

For Vehicles Equipped with an Air Bag

An air bag inflates with great force. DO NOT place objects, including either installed or portable wireless equipment, in the area over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area. If in- vehicle wireless equipment is improperly installed and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result.

RD6000

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 radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, the FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones to notify

SAFETY GUIDELINES