For Your Safety 119
against the head. On the other hand, if the device 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 devices 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.” Also, if you use your wireless device while in a car, you can
use a device with an antenna on the outside of the vehicle. You should also
read and follow your wireless device manufacturer’s instructions for the safe
operation of your device.
Do wireless devices pose any special risks to children?
The FDA/FCC website states that “the scientific evidence does not show a
danger to users of wireless communication devices, including children.” The
FDA/FCC website further states that “some groups sponsored by other
national governments have advised that children be discouraged from
using wireless devices at all.” For example, the Stewart Report from the
United Kingdom [“UK”] made such a recommendation in December 2000.
In this report a group of independent experts noted that no evidence exists
that using a cell phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. [The UK’s]
recommendation to limit cell phone use by children was strictly precautionary;
it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists. A copy of
the UK’s leaflet is available at
http://www.dh.gov.uk
(search “mobile”), or you
can write to: NRPB, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 ORQ, United Kingdom. Copies
of the UK’s annual reports on mobile phones and RF are available online at
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
(search “mobile”). Parents who wish to
reduce their children’s RF exposure may choose to restrict their children’s
wireless device use.
Where can I get further information about RF emissions?
For further information, see the following additional resources (websites
current as of April 2005):
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Consumer magazine November-December 2000
Telephone: (888) INFO-FDA
http://www.fda.gov
(Under “c” in the subject index, select Cell Phones >
Research.)
