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FDA Consumer Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Centre 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
energy (RF) 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 energy (RF) at a level that is
hazardoustotheuser.Insuchacase,theFDAcouldrequirethemanufacturersof
wirelessphonestonotifyusersofthehealthhazardandtorepair,replace,orrecall
thephonessothatthehazardnolongerexists.Althoughtheexistingscientific
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
emittedbywirelessphones;
•
DesignwirelessphonesinawaythatminimizesanyRFexposuretotheuser
thatisnotnecessaryfordevicefunction;and
•
Cooperate in providing of wireless phones with the best possible information on
possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.
Safety Guidelines
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