User's Manual

12
safety and usage information
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.
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
• “Federal Communications Commission
• “Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
• “National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in
some interagency working group activities, as
well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for
wireless phones with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). All phones
that are sold in the United States must comply
with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF
exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other health
agencies for safety questions about wireless
phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the
wireless phone networks rely upon. While these
base stations operate at higher power than do
the wireless phones themselves, the RF