User's Manual

Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a series of Q ue s t i on s
and Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from w i r e l e ss
phones. The FDA publication includes the following i n f o r m a t i on :
What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to h a n d - he l d wireless phones with bu il t - i n
antennas, often called “ c e ll , ” “ m ob il e , ” or “ P C S ” phones. These types of w i r e l e ss
phones can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because o f
the short distance between the phone and the user's head. These RF exposures a r e
limited by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that w e r e
developed with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety a g en c i e s .
When the phone is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF i s
drastically lower because a pe r s on ' s RF exposure decreases rapidly with i n c r ea s i n g
distance from the source. The so - c a ll e d “ c o r d l e ss p h ones , ” which have a base un i t
connected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower po w e r
levels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance li m i t s .
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems a r e
associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that w i r e l e ss
phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radio frequency
energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low l e v e l s
of RF when in the s t a n d - b y mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce he a l t h
effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce he a t i n g
effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF
exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested t ha t
some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed b y
additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty i n
reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent r e s u l t s.
What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of r a di a t io n - e m i tt i n g c on s u m e r
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 w i r e l e ss
phones are shown to emit radio frequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous t o
the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones t o
notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so t h a t
the hazard no longer
e x i s t s.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA ha s
urged the wireless phone industry to take a number of steps, including the f o ll o w i n g :

“ Sup po r t needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the t y pe
emitted by wireless p h one s;
 “ D e s ig n wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to t he
user that is not necessary for device function; a n d
 “ C oope r a t e in providing users of wireless phones with the best po ss ib l e
information on possible effects of wireless phone use on human h ea l t h .
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that
ha v e
responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at t he
federal level. The following agencies belong to this working g r oup :
 “ N a t i onal Institute for Occupational Safety and H e a l t h