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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 the Main Menu Screen. Whereas high levels of
RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), expo-
sure 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 bio-
logical 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 inconsis-
tent 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 haz-
ardous 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 follow-
ing:
●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 coordinated efforts at the
federal level. The following agencies belong to this work-
ing group:
●National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
●Environmental Protection Agency
●Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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