Casio G'zOne Ravine User Manual

Page 181

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Safety

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;

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.

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