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Casio EXILIM C721 User Manual

Page 187

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186

Safety

k 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.

k 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: