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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
standby 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 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 level. The following
agencies belong to this working
group: