FDA Consumer Update
11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop
a detailed test method to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators from
wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many other groups, was
completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from
wireless phone EMI.
The FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary standard
sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance
requirements for hearing aids and wireless phones so that no interference occurs when a person uses a “compatible” phone and a
“compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000.
The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful
interference be found to occur, the FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
l
FDA webpage on wireless phones
(http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/phones/index.html)
l
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
l
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(http://www.icnirp.de)
l
World health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project
(http://www.who.int/emf)
l
National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
(http://www.nrpb.org.uk/)
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