User's Manual

does with new drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to emit radio frequency
energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, 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, 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
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 exposures that people get from these base stations are typically thousands of times lower than those they can
get from wireless phones. Base stations are thus not the primary subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
4. What is FDA doing to find out more about the p ossible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators around the world to ensure that high priority
animal studies are conducted to address important questions about the effects of exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in
1996. An influential result of this work has been the development of a detailed agenda of research needs that has driven the establishment of
new research programs around the world. The Project has also helped develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
(CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in government, industry,
and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include
both laboratory studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a broad assessment of additional research needs in the
context of the latest research developments around the world.
5. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these product sand at this point we do not know that there isit is probably very small. But if y o u are concerned about
avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key
factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone w ill reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your body and the source of
the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away
from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these
products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.