Mini-MT User Guide
Revision 1.02
GSM2228UG001 Page 42
10.2 Scientific evidence on RF exposure
The following information, in large part, is excerpted from, or based on, information
provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its website under the
heading, “Cell Phone Facts: Consumer Information on Wireless Phones.”
(
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/qa.html
). The information provided below reflects
scientific evidence available through the end of 2004. Please visit the aforementioned
FDA website (and the other websites mentioned below) for the latest information.
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated
with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are
absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of RF while being used. They also emit
very low levels of RF when in the stand-by 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.
The FDA and other U.S. government agencies responsible for public health and safety
have worked together and in connection with the World Health Organization (WHO) to
monitor developments and identify research needs related to RF biological effects. It is
generally agreed that further research is needed to determine what effects actually occur
and whether they are dangerous to people. In the meantime, standards-setting
organizations and government agencies are continuing to monitor the latest scientific
findings to determine whether changes in safety limits are needed to protect human
health. In 1996, the WHO established the International EMF Project to review the
scientific literature and work towards resolution of health concerns over the use of RF
technology. The WHO maintains a Web site that provides extensive information on this
project and about RF biological effects and research (
www.who.ch/peh-emf
).
If there is a risk from using wireless phones—and at this point the scientific evidence
does not demonstrate the existence of such a risk—it is probably very small. But if you
are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your exposure to RF. Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a
person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will 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.
