FDA CONSUMER UPDATE
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 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 associ-
ated 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 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 bio-
logical 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 radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to
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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 do not justify FDA
regulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless phone 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 phones;
Design wireless phones 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 phones with the best possible informa-
tion on 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 RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the
federal level. The following agencies belong to this working group:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Communications Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some inter-agency working group
activities, as well. FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the