the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation inDecember 2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless phonecauses brain tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless phoneuse by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidencethat any health hazard exists.Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RFemissions?Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones,there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can beused with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce theabsorption of RF energy in the head because the phone, which is the source of theRF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand, if the phone ismounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of thebody will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. arerequired to meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are used againstthe head or against the body. Either configuration should result in compliance withthe safety limit.Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiationwork?Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones,there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the head fromthose emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the user from RFabsorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing more than ametallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that these productsgenerally do not work as advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-called “shields”may interfere with proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boostits power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF absorption. In February 2002,the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two companies that sold devices thatclaimed to protect wireless phone users from radiation with making false andunsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonablebasis to substantiate their claim.What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronicdevices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measureelectromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers anddefibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standardsponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation(AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device manufacturers, andmany other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard will allowmanufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe fromwireless phone EMI. FDA has tested wireless phones and helped develop avoluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers(IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance requirements forhearing aids and wireless phones so that no interference occurs when a person usesa compatible phone and a compatible hearing aid at the same time. This standardwas approved by the IEEE in 2000.FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones for possible interactions withother medical devices. Should harmful interference be found to occur, FDA will