Appendix C: Consumer Update on Wireless Phones168adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RFexposures have not found any biological effects. Somestudies have suggested that some biological effects mayoccur, but such findings have not been confirmed byadditional research. In some cases, other researchers havehad difficulty in reproducing those studies, or indetermining the reasons for inconsistent results.3. What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wirelessphones?Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as wireless phonesbefore they can be sold, as it does with new drugs ormedical devices. However, the agency has authority to takeaction if wireless phones are shown to emit radio frequencyenergy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In sucha case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wirelessphones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair,replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longerexists.Although 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 effects ofRF of the type emitted by wireless phones;Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RFexposure to the user that is not necessary for devicefunction; andCooperate in providing users of wireless phones with thebest possible information on possible effects of wirelessphone use on human health
