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.
2. What is the FDA's role concerning the safety of
wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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
radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to
the user. In such a case, the 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, the 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
The 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:
]
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
]
Environmental Protection Agency
]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(Administración de la seguridad y salud laborales)
]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
]
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some
interagency working group activities, as well.
The FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless
phones with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
All phones that are sold in the United States must comply with
FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. The FCC relies
Safety Guidelines
.
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