Appendix B Message From The Fda (U.s. Food And Drug Administration) To All Users Of Mobile Phones - Nokia 6651 Manual

Appendix B
Message from the FDA
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to all
users of mobile phones.
July 18, 2001For updates: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones
Consumer Update on Wireless 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 radiofrequency 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.
2. 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 radiofrequency 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
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.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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