Samsung SPH-A503ZKASKE - Manual (Page 155)

Section 15: Health and Safety Information 155
Consumer Information on Wireless Phones
health and safety agencies. When the phone is located at greater distances from the user, the
exposure to RF is drastically lower because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with
increasing distance from the source. The so-called "cordless phones," which have a base unit
connected to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower power levels, and
thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's compliance limits.
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