62
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 idle
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 does 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;
To Next Page
Loading...
