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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 radio frequency 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 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
Safety Guidelines