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your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone
connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But
if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above
to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.
10. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones, including children and teenagers. If you
want to take steps to lower exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to
children and teenagers using wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone use and increasing the distance
between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure. Some groups sponsored by other national governments
have advised that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For example, the government in the
United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no
evidence exists that using a wireless phone causes brain tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit
wireless phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists.
11. What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can interact with some electronic devices. For this reason,
FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by the
Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical
device manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers
to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI. FDA has tested hearing aids
for interference from handheld wireless phones and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance requirements for
hearing aids and wireless phones so that that no interference occurs when a person uses a “compatible” phone and a
“compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000. FDA continues to monitor
the use of wireless phones for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference be found
to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
• FDA
web
page
on
wireless
phones
(http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/
RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/CellPhones/default.htm)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (http://www.icnirp.de)
• World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project (http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/)
• National Radiological Protection Board (UK) (http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/)
AVOID POTENTIAL HEARING LOSS
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause of preventable hearing loss. Some
scientific research suggests that using portable audio devices, such as portable music players and cellular telephones,
at high volume settings for long durations may lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. This includes the use
of headphones (including headsets, earbuds and Bluetooth® or other wireless devices). Exposure to very loud sound
has also been associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to sound and distorted
hearing. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and other potential hearing problems varies.
The amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on the nature of the sound, the device,
the device settings and the headphones. You should follow some commonsense recommendations when using any
portable audio device:
• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at which you can hear adequately.
• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the people speaking near you or if the person
sitting next to you can hear what you are listening to.
• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you choose to listen to your portable device in a
noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background environmental noise.
• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required before your hearing could be
affected.
• Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such as concerts, that might cause temporary
hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
• Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you experience ringing in your ears, hear muffled speech
or experience any temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audio device, discontinue use and
consult your doctor.
YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT FROM THE
FOLLOWING SOURCES:
AMERICA ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY
11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20190
Voice: 800-AAA-2336
Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.audiology.org
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
DISORDERS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH:
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320
Bethesda, MD USA 20892-2320
Voice: (301) 496-7243
Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing