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precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce
risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from
wireless phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce
risks. Hands-free kits can be used with wireless phones for convenience
and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the
head because the phone, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not
be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is mounted
against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the
body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S.
are required to meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are
used against the head or against the body. Either configuration should
result in compliance with the safety limit.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to
shield the head from RF radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from
wireless phones, there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim
to shield the head from those emissions reduce risks. Some products that
claim to shield the user from RF absorption use special phone cases,
while others involve nothing more than a metallic accessory attached to
the phone. Studies have shown that these products generally do not work
as advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-called “shields” may
interfere with proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to
boost its power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF absorption.
In February 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged two
companies that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users
from radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to
FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their
claim.
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