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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 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 (RF) energy 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
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.