and Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from wirelessdevices. The FDA publication includes the following information:What kinds of devices are the subject of this update?The term wireless device refers here to hand-held wireless devices with built-inantennas, often called “cell,” “mobile,” or “PCS” devices. These types of wirelessdevices can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because ofthe short distance between the device 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 device 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 devices,” which have a base unitconnected to the teledevice wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower powerlevels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.Do wireless devices pose a health hazard?The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems areassociated with using wireless devices. There is no proof, however, that wirelessdevices are absolutely safe. Wireless devices 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 wireless devices?Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumerproducts such as wireless devices before they can be sold, as it does with new drugsor medical devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wirelessdevices are shown to emit radio frequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardousto the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless devicesto notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the devices so thatthe hazard no longer exists.Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA hasurged the wireless device industry to take a number of steps, including the following: “Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the typeemitted by wireless devices; “Design wireless devices in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to theuser that is not necessary for device function; and “Cooperate in providing users of wireless devices with the best possibleinformation on possible effects of wireless device use on human health.FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that haveresponsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at thefederal level. The following agencies belong to this working group: “National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health “Environmental Protection Agency