Usage guidelines: all about performance and safety 127Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDAregulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless phoneindustry to take a number of steps, including the following:• Support needed research into possible biological effectsof RF of the type emitted by wireless phones;• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RFexposure to the user that it is not necessary for devicefunction; and• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with thebest possible information on possible effects of wirelessphone use on human health.FDA belongs to a interagency working group of the federalagencies that have responsibility for different aspects of RFsafety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. Thefollowing agencies belong to this working group:• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health• Environmental Protection Agency• Federal Communications Committee• Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationThe National Institutes of Health participates in someinteragency working group activities, as well.FDA shares regulatory responsibilities about wireless phoneswith the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Allphones that are sold in the United States must comply withFCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies onFDA and other health agencies for safety questions aboutwireless phones.FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phonenetworks rely upon. While these base stations operate athigher power than do the wireless phones themselves, the
