124Consumer Information on Wireless PhonesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a series of Questionsand Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from wirelessphones. The FDA publication includes the following information:What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held wireless phones with built-inantennas, often called "cell," "mobile," or "PCS" phones. These types of wirelessphones can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because ofthe short distance between the phone and the user's head. These RF exposures arelimited by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that weredeveloped with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety agencies.When the phone is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF isdrastically lower because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with increasingdistance from the source. The so-called "cordless phones," which have a base unitconnected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower powerlevels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.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 radio frequencyenergy (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.What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wirelessphones?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 radio frequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous tothe user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless phones to