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Health and Safety Information 96
user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because of the
short distance between the device 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 device 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 devices," 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 devices pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health
problems are associated with using wireless devices. There is no
proof, however, that wireless devices are absolutely safe.
Wireless devices 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
devices?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-
emitting consumer products such as wireless devices before they
can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical devices.
However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless
devices 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 devices to notify users of the
health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the devices so that
the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory
actions, FDA has urged the wireless device 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 devices;
•
Design wireless devices in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to
the user that is not necessary for device function; and
SWD-M100.book Page 96 Tuesday, July 21, 2009 1:42 PM