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research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio
frequency energy from my wireless device?
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 device will reduce RF exposure.
•
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless device 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 device
away from your body or use a wireless device connected to a remote
antenna.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless
devices 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
device use.
What about children using wireless devices?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of
wireless devices, 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 devices. Reducing the time of wireless
device 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 devices
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 device causes brain tumors or other ill effects.
Their recommendation to limit wireless device use by children
was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific
evidence that any health hazard exists.
Do hands-free kits for wireless devices reduce
risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions
from wireless devices, there is no reason to believe that hands-
free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be used with wireless
devices for convenience and comfort. These systems reduce the
absorption of RF energy in the head because the device, which is
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