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What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from
my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products - and at this point we do not know that there is - it is probably very
small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure
a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
• If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place
more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off
dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless
phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned
about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce
your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones, including children and
teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency energy (RF), the measures
described above would apply to children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of
wireless phone use and increasing the distance between the user and the RF source will reduce RF
exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be discouraged from
using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets
containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no evidence exists that using
a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless phone
use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard
exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from exposure to RF
emissions?
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 be used with wireless phones for
convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the
phone, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against the head. On the other hand,
if the phone is mounted against the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the body
will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet safety
requirements regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the body. Either
configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.
