•
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People
Inc. [SHHH] www.hearingloss.org/hat/
TipsWirelessPhones.htm
•
The Hearing Aid Compatibility FCC Order http://
hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
FCC-03-168A1.pdf
FDA Consumer Update
1. 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 radiofrequency
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.
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SAFETY SAFETY
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 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 radiofrequency 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;
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION - CENTER FOR
DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL
HEALTH CONSUMER UPDATE ON
WIRELESS PHONES
