Samsung SPH-M910CAAVMU - Manual (Page 128)

Health and Safety Information 121
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 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 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 radio frequency 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;
• 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.
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
• Federal Communications Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some
interagency working group activities, as well.