problems are associated with
using wireless phones. There is
no proof, however, that wireless
phones are absolutely safe.
Wireless phones emit low levels of
radiofrequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being
used. They also emit very low
levels of RF when in the Home
screen. 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 the FDA's role
concerning the safety of
wireless phones?
Under the law, the FDA does not
review the safety of
radiationemitting 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 radiofrequency
energy (RF) at a level that is
hazardous to the user. In such a
case, the 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, the
FDA has urged the wireless phone
industry to take a number of
steps, including the following:
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