134 Health and Safety Informationoccur, but such findings have not been confirmed byadditional research. In some cases, other researchershave had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or indetermining the reasons for inconsistent results.What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wirelessphones?Under the law, FDA does not review the safety ofradiation-emitting consumer products such as wirelessphones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugsor medical devices. However, the agency has authority totake action if wireless phones are shown to emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to theuser. In such a case, FDA could require themanufacturers of wireless phones to notify users of thehealth hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phonesso that the hazard no longer exists.Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDAregulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless phoneindustry to take a number of steps, including thefollowing:• Support needed research into possible biological effectsof RF of the type emitted by wireless phones;• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes anyRF exposure to the user that it is not necessary fordevice function; and• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones withthe best possible information on possible effects ofwireless phone use on human health.
