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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 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 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
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