Guide to Safe and Responsible Wireless Phone Use130confirmed by additional research. In some cases,other researchers have had difficulty in reproducingthose studies, or in determining the reasons forinconsistent 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 aswireless phones before they can be sold, as it doeswith new drugs or medical devices. However, theagency has authority to take action if wirelessphones are shown to emit radio frequency energy(RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such acase, FDA could require the manufacturers ofwireless phones to notify users of the health hazardand to repair, replace or recall the phones so thatthe 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 effects of RF ofthe type emitted by wireless phones;♦Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposureto the user that it is not necessary for device function; and♦Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the bestpossible information on possible effects of wireless phone use onhuman health.FDA belongs to a interagency working group of thefederal agencies that have responsibility for differentaspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at