The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a series of Questions
and Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from wireless
Tablet PCs. The FDA publication includes the following information:
What kinds of Tablet PCs are the subject of this update?
The term wireless Tablet PC refers here to hand-held wireless Tablet PCs with built-
in antennas, often called “cell,” “mobile,” or “PCS” Tablet PCs. These types of
wireless Tablet PCs can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF)
because of the short distance between the Tablet PC and the user's head. These RF
exposures are limited by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines
that were developed with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety
agencies. When the Tablet PC is located at greater distances from the user, the
exposure to RF is drastically lower because a person's RF exposure decreases
rapidly with increasing distance from the source. The so-called “cordless Tablet
PCs,” which have a base unit connected to the teleTablet PC wiring in a house,
typically operate at far lower power levels, and thus produce RF exposures well
within the FCC's compliance limits.
Do wireless Tablet PCs pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are
associated with using wireless Tablet PCs. There is no proof, however, that wireless
Tablet PCs are absolutely safe. Wireless Tablet PCs 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 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.
What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless Tablet PCs?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer
products such as wireless Tablet PCs before they can be sold, as it does with new
drugs or medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if
wireless Tablet PCs 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 Tablet PCs to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or
recall the Tablet PCs so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has
urged the wireless Tablet PC 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 Tablet PCs;
“Design wireless Tablet PCs 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 Tablet PCs with the best possible
information on possible effects of wireless Tablet PC 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
