Safety
94
Safety
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
doesnot show that any health
problems are associated with
using wireless phones. Thereis
no proof, however, that wireless
phones are absolutely safe.
Wireless phonesemit low levels
of radiofrequency energy (RF) in
the microwave range while being
used. They also emit very low
levels of RF when in the Main
MenuScreen. 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 byadditional research.
In some cases, other researchers
have had difficulty in reproducing
those studies, or in determining
the reasons for inconsistent
results.

2. Whatis 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
aswireless phones before they
can be sold, as it does with new
drugs or medical devices.
However, the agency has
authorityto take action if