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mobile phones among people with brain cancer with the use of mobile
phones among appropriately matched people without brain cancer. This is
called a case-control study. The current case-control study of brain
cancers by the National Cancer Institute, as well as the follow-up
research to be sponsored by industry, will begin to generate this type of
information.
What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of mobile phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting
consumer products such as mobile phones before marketing, as it does
with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to
take action if mobile phones are shown to emit radiation at a level that is
hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the
manufacturers of mobile 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
at this time, FDA has urged the mobile phone industry to take a number
of steps to assure public safety. The agency has recommended that the
industry:
• support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the
type emitted by mobile phones;
• design mobile phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the
user that is not necessary for device function; and
• cooperate in providing mobile phone users with the best possible
information on what is known about possible effects of mobile phone
use on human health.
At the same time, FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the
federal agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of mobile
phone safety to ensure a coordinated effort at the federal level. These
agencies are:
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
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