17[ 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 are associatedwith using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones areabsolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy (RF) in themicrowave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in thestand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heatingtissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no knownadverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found anybiological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur,but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, otherresearchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining thereasons 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 productssuch as wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medicaldevices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shownto emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such acase, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones to notify users of thehealth hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longerexists.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 type emittedby wireless phones;• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user thatis not necessary for device function; and• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible informationon 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.
