Samsung SCH-a610 manual What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones?, 144

other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.

What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones?

Under the law, 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, 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, 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 it 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.

FDA belongs to a 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 working group:

•National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

•Environmental Protection Agency

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