U.S. FDA’s Consumer Update
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update on Wireless Phones.
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
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 radio frequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the idle 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 FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, 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 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 does not justify FDA regulatory actions at this time, FDA has urged the mobile phone industry
to take a number of steps, including the following:
l
Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by mobile phones;
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Design mobile phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not necessary for device function; and
l
Cooperate in providing wireless phone users with the best possible information on what is known about 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 mobile phone
safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. These following agencies that belong to this working group are:
l
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
l
Environmental Protection Agency
l
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
l
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
l
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.
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FDA Consumer Update
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