Section 14: Health and Safety Information 135
Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
What kinds of phones are the subject of this update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held wireless phones with built-in antennas, often called
"cell," "mobile," or "PCS" phones. These types of wireless phones can expose the user to measurable
radio frequency energy (RF) because of the short distance between the phone and the user's head. These
RF exposures are limited by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that were
developed with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety agencies. When the phone is
located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower because a person's
RF exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the source. The so-called "cordless
phones," which have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far
lower power levels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific 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 findings have not been
confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty 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 scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged the wireless
phone industry to take a number of steps, including the following:
• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by wireless
phones;
• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not
necessary for device function; and
• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best possible information on
possible effects of wireless phone use on human health.
