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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 (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;
• 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.
The FDA belongs to an 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
• Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
• National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates
in some interagency working group activities,
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