Samsung SGH-C417ZDACIN - Manual (Page 93)

Section 12: Health and Safety Information 95
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.
Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiation
work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones,
there is no reason to believe that accessories that claim to shield the head from those
emissions reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the user from RF
absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing more than a metallic
accessory attached to the phone. Studies have shown that these products generally
do not work as advertised. Unlike "hand-free" kits, these so-called "shields" may
interfere with proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boost its
power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF absorption. In February 2002, the
Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two companies that sold devices that
claimed to protect wireless phone users from radiation with making false and
unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable
basis to substantiate their claim.
What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure
electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators
from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by
the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final
draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many other groups,
was completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that
cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has
tested wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test
methods and performance requirements for hearing aids and wireless phones so that