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Appendix A
Maintaining
Pocket PC Phone User Manual160
Appendix A
Maintaining
Pocket PC Phone User Manual
161
For More information, please refer to:
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientic evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using
wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless
phones emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used.
They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can
produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating
effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have
not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may
occur, but such ndings have not been conrmed by additional research. In some cases, other
researchers have had difculty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for
inconsistent results.
What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless phones?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as
wireless phones before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices. However,
the agency has authority to take action if wireless phones are shown to emit radio frequency energy
(RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the manufacturers
of wireless phones to notify users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones
so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientic data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged the
wireless phone industry to take a number of steps, including the following:
n Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless
phones;
n Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not
necessary for device function; and
n Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible
information on possible effects of wireless phone use on human health
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have responsibility
for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal level. The
following agencies belong to this working group:
n National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
n Environmental Protection Agency
n Federal Communications Commission
n Occupational Safety and Health Administration