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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
published a series of Questions and Answers for
consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure
from wireless phones. The FDA publication includes the
following information:
What kinds of phones are the subject of
this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held
wireless phones with built-in antennas, often called
"cell","mobile" or "PCS" phones. These types of wireless
phones can expose the user to measurable radio
frequency energy (RF) because of the short distance
between the phone and the user's head. These RF
exposures are limited by Federal Communications
Commission safety guidelines that were developed with
the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety
agencies. When the phone is located at greater distances
from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower
because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with
increasing distance from the source. The so-called
°×cordless phones,°± which have a base unit connected
to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at
far lower power levels, and thus produce RF exposures
well within the FCC's compliance limits.
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any
health problems are associated with using wireless
3
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 stand-by 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.
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
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