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Careless, distracted individuals and people driving irresponsibly represent a hazard to
everyone on the road. Since 1984, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association and
the wireless industry have conducted educational outreach to inform wireless phone users
of their responsibilities as safe drivers and good citizens. As we approach a new century,
more and more of us will take advantage of the benefits of wireless telephones. And, as we
take to the roads, we all have a responsibility to drive safely.
The wireless industry reminds you to use your phone safely when driving.
For more information, please call 1-888-901-SAFE.
For updates: http://www.wow-com.com/consumer/issues/driving/articles.cfm?ID=85
I Message from the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides the following consumer information
about wireless phones.
See http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/ for updated information.
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. 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 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.
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