Nokia 5100 User Manual

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[ 172 ]Consumer Update on Wireless PhonesU.S. Food and Drug Administration1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems areassociated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wirelessphones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequencyenergy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levelsof RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce healtheffects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heatingeffects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RFexposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested thatsome biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed byadditional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty inreproducing 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 consumerproducts such as wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugsor medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wirelessphones are shown to emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous tothe user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones tonotify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so thatthe hazard no longer exists.Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA hasurged the wireless phone industry to take a number of steps, including the following:• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the typeemitted by wireless phones;• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the userthat is not necessary for device function; and• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possibleinformation on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that haveresponsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at thefederal 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 AdministrationThe National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working groupactivities, as well.