Section4: Safety Gui delines and Warranty Information
2054A: Safety
21. What is F DA doing to find out more about the possible health
effectsof wirelessp hone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with
groups of investigators around the world to ensure that high priority
animal studies are conducted to address important questions about the
effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization
International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in
1996. An influential result of this work has been the development of a
detailed agenda of research needs that has driven the establishment of
new research programs around the world. The Project has also helped
develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)
have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
(CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the
scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in government,
industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is
conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial
research will include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless
phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad assessment of
additional research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
22. Whatsteps can I take to reduc e my exposure to radiofrequency
energyfrom my wire less phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point we do not know
that there is—it is probably very small. But if you are concerned about
avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a
key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount
of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day,
you could place more distance between your body and the source of the
RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For
example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away
from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna