Samsung Electronics Co SCHN480 Single-Mode Cellular Phone (CDMA) User Manual SCH N213 FCC

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Single-Mode Cellular Phone (CDMA) SCH N213 FCC

Contents

Users Manual Warning

Other Functions
72
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Emergency calling may not be available on all
wireless networks at all times. A connection
cannot always be guaranteed, due to various
transmission methods, network parameters and
user settings used to complete a call from your
wireless phone.
DO NOT depend on this phone as a primary
method of dialing 190 or for any other essential or
emergency communications.
Remember to always turn your phone on and
check for the adequate signal strength before
placing a call.
Reset Phone
Resetting the phone cancels all of your selection in
the user-selectable setting options and returns
them to the factory default settings except for the
Contacts entries and SMS messages.
When a confirmation message displays, select
Yes
and press . The phone reboots, turning itself off
and back on, and returns to Standby mode.
73
Health and safety
information
Exposure to radio frequency (RF)
signals
Your wireless phone is a radio transmitter and
receiver. It is designed and manufactured not to
exceed the emission limits for exposure to radio
frequency (RF) energy set by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S.
Government. These limits are part of
comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted
levels of RF energy for the general population. The
guidelines are based on the safety standards that
were developed by independent scientific
organizations through periodic and through
evaluation of scientific studies.
The standards include a substantial safety margin
designed to assure the safety of all persons,
regardless of age and health.
The exposure standard for wireless phones
employs a unit of measurement known as Specific
Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR limit set by the
FCC is 1.6W/kg.
*
* In the U.S. and Canada, the SAR limit for mobile
phones used by the public is 1.6 watts/kg (W/kg)
averaged over one gram of tissue. The standard
incorporates a substantial margin of safety to give
additional protection for the public and to account
for any variations in measurements.
Health and safety information
74
SAR tests are conducted using standard operating
positions specified by the FCC with the phone
transmitting at its highest certified power level in
all tested frequency bands. Although the SAR is
determined at the highest certified power level,
the actual SAR level of the phone while operating
can be well below the maximum value. This is
because the phone is designed to operate at
multiple power levels so as to use only the power
required to reach the network. In general, the
closer you are to a wireless base station antenna,
the lower the power output of the phone.
Before a new model phone is available for sale to
the public, it must be tested and certified to the
FCC that it does not exceed the limit established
by the government-adopted requirement for safe
exposure. The tests are performed in positions
and locations (e.g., at the ear and worn on the
body) as required by the FCC for each model.
While there may be differences between the SAR
levels of various phones and at various positions,
they all meet the government requirement.
The FCC has granted an Equipment Authorization
for this model phone with all reported SAR levels
evaluated as in compliance with the FCC RF
exposure guidelines. SAR information on this
model phone is on file with the FCC and can be
found under the Display Grant section of http://
www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid after searching on FCC ID
printed in the label on the phone.
FCC certification information for this model phone
is attached separation paper.
Health and safety information
75
For body operation
SAR compliance for body-worn operating configurations
is limited to the specific belt-clip/holster supplied or approved
by SAMSUNG, if available. The use of accessories that do not
satisfy these requirements may not comply with FCC RF
exposure compliance and should be avoided.
None compliance with the above conditions may
violate FCC RF exposure guidelines.
For more Information concerning exposure to
radio frequency signals, see the following
websites:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
http://www.fcc.gov/rfsafety
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
(CTIA): http://www.wow-com.com
U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer
World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en
Health and safety information
76
Precautions when using batteries
• Never use any charger or battery that is
damaged in any way.
• Use the battery only for its intended purpose.
• If you use the phone near the network’s base
station, it uses less power; talk and standby
time are greatly affected by the signal strength
on the cellular network and the parameters set
by the network operator.
• Battery charging time depends on the remaining
battery charge and the type of battery and
charger used. The battery can be charged and
discharged hundreds of times, but it will
gradually wear out. When the operation time
(talk time and standby time) is noticeably
shorter than normal, it is time to buy a new
battery.
• If left unused, a fully charged battery will
discharge itself over time.
• Use only Samsung-approved batteries and
recharge your battery only with Samsung-
approved chargers. When a charger is not in
use, disconnect it from the power source. Do
not leave the battery connected to a charger for
more than a week, since overcharging may
shorten its life.
• Extreme temperatures will affect the charging
capacity of your battery: it may require cooling
or warming first.
Health and safety information
77
• Do not leave the battery in hot or cold places,
such as in a car in summer or winter conditions,
as you will reduce the capacity and lifetime of
the battery. Always try to keep the battery at
room temperature. A phone with a hot or cold
battery may temporarily not work, even when
the battery is fully charged. Li-ion batteries are
particularly affected by temperatures below 0
°C (32 °F).
• Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental
short- circuiting can occur when a metallic
object (coin, clip or pen) causes a direct
connection between the + and – terminals of
the battery (metal strips on the battery), for
example when you carry a spare battery in a
pocket or bag. Short-circuiting the terminals
may damage the battery or the object causing
the short-circuiting.
• Dispose of used batteries in accordance with
local regulations. Always recycle. Do not dispose
of batteries in a fire.
Road safety
Your wireless phone gives you the powerful ability
to communicate by voice, almost anywhere,
anytime. But an important responsibility
accompanies the benefits of wireless phones, one
that every user must uphold.
When driving a car, driving is your first
responsibility. When using your wireless phone
behind the wheel of a car, make sure that you are
following the special regulations in a given area or
country.
Health and safety information
78
Operating environment
Remember to follow any special regulations in
force in any area and always switch your phone off
whenever it is forbidden to use it, or when it may
cause interference or danger.
When connecting the phone or any accessory to
another device, read its user’s guide for detailed
safety instructions. Do not connect incompatible
products.
As with other mobile radio transmitting
equipment, users are advised that for the
satisfactory operation of the equipment and for
the safety of personnel, it is recommended that
the equipment should only be used in the normal
operating position (held to your ear with the
antenna pointing over your shoulder).
Electronic devices
Most modern electronic equipment is shielded
from radio frequency (RF) signals. However,
certain electronic equipment may not be shielded
against the RF signals from your wireless phone.
Consult the manufacturer to discuss alternatives.
Pacemakers
Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a
minimum distance of 15 cm (6 inches) be
maintained between a wireless phone and a
pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the
pacemaker. These recommendations are
consistent with the independent research and
Health and safety information
79
recommendations of Wireless Technology
Research.
Persons with pacemakers:
• Should always keep the phone more than 15 cm
(6 inches) from their pacemaker when the
phone is switched on
• Should not carry the phone in a breast pocket
• Should use the ear opposite the pacemaker to
minimize potential interference
If you have any reason to suspect that
interference is taking place, switch your phone off
immediately.
Hearing aids
Some digital wireless phones may interfere with
some hearing aids. In the event of such
interference, you may wish to consult your
hearing aid manufacturer to discuss alternatives.
Other medical devices
If you use any other personal medical devices,
consult the manufacturer of your device to
determine if it is adequately shielded from
external RF energy. Your physician may be able to
assist you in obtaining this information. Switch
your phone off in health care facilities when any
regulations posted in these areas instruct you to
do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be
using equipment that could be sensitive to
external RF energy.
Health and safety information
80
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or
inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor
vehicles. Check with the manufacturer or its
representative regarding your vehicle.
You should also consult the manufacturer of any
equipment that has been added to your vehicle.
Posted facilities
Switch your phone off in any facility where posted
notices require you to do so.
Potentially explosive environment
Switch your phone off when in any area with a
potentially explosive atmosphere and obey all
signs and instructions. Sparks in such areas could
cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury
or even death.
Users are advised to switch the phone off while at
a refueling point (service station). Users are
reminded of the need to observe restrictions on
the use of radio equipment in fuel depots (fuel
storage and distribution areas), chemical plants or
where blasting operations are in progress.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are
often but not always clearly marked. They include
below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas
(such as propane or butane), areas where the air
contains chemicals or particles, such as grain,
dust or metal powders, and any other area where
you would normally be advised to turn off your
vehicle engine.
Health and safety information
81
Emergency calls
This phone, like any wireless phone, operates
using radio signals, wireless and landline networks
as well as user-programmed functions, which
cannot guarantee connection in all conditions.
Therefore, you should never rely solely on any
wireless phone for essential communications
(medical emergencies, for example).
Remember, to make or receive any calls the phone
must be switched on and in a service area with
adequate signal strength. Emergency calls may
not be possible on all wireless phone networks or
when certain network services and/or phone
features are in use. Check with local service
providers.
To make an emergency call:
1. If the phone is not on, switch it on.
2. Key in the emergency number for your present
location. Emergency numbers vary by location.
3. Press .
If certain features are in use (call barring, for
example), you may first need to deactivate those
features before you can make an emergency call.
Consult this document and your local cellular
service provider.
When making an emergency call, remember to
give all the necessary information as accurately as
possible. Remember that your phone may be the
only means of communication at the scene of an
accident; do not cut off the call until given
permission to do so.
Health and safety information
82
Other important safety information
• Only qualified personnel should service the
phone or install the phone in a vehicle. Faulty
installation or service may be dangerous and
may invalidate any warranty applicable to the
device.
• Check regularly that all wireless phone
equipment in your vehicle is mounted and
operating properly.
• Do not store or carry flammable liquids, gases
or explosive materials in the same compartment
as the phone, its parts or accessories.
• For vehicles equipped with an air bag,
remember that an air bag inflates with great
force. Do not place objects, including both
installed or portable wireless equipment in the
area over the air bag or in the air bag
deployment area. If wireless equipment is
improperly installed and the air bag inflates,
serious injury could result.
• Switch your phone off before boarding an
aircraft. The use of wireless phones in aircraft
may be dangerous to the operation of the
aircraft, and is illegal.
• Failure to observe these instructions may lead
to the suspension or denial of telephone
services to the offender, or legal action, or both.
Health and safety information
83
Care and maintenance
Your phone is a product of superior design and
craftsmanship and should be treated with care.
The suggestions below will help you fulfill any
warranty obligations and allow you to enjoy this
product for many years.
• Keep the phone and all its parts and accessories
out of the reach of small children’s.
• Keep the phone dry. Precipitation, humidity and
liquids contain minerals that will corrode
electronic circuits.
• Do not use the phone with a wet hand. Doing so
may cause an electric shock to you or damage
to the phone.
• Do not use or store the phone in dusty, dirty
areas, as its moving parts may be damaged.
• Do not store the phone in hot areas. High
temperatures can shorten the life of electronic
devices, damage batteries, and warp or melt
certain plastics.
• Do not store the phone in cold areas. When the
phone warms up to its normal operating
temperature, moisture can form inside the
phone, which may damage the phone’s
electronic circuit boards.
• Do not drop, knock or shake the phone. Rough
handling can break internal circuit boards.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents
or strong detergents to clean the phone. Wipe it
with a soft cloth slightly dampened in a mild
soap-and-water solution.
Health and safety information
84
• Do not paint the phone. Paint can clog the
device’s moving parts and prevent proper
operation.
• Do not put the phone in or on heating devices,
such as a microwave oven, a stove or a radiator.
The phone may explode when overheated.
• Use only the supplied or an approved
replacement antenna. Unauthorized antennas or
modified accessories may damage the phone
and violate regulations governing radio devices.
• If the phone, battery, charger or any accessory
is not working properly, take it to your nearest
qualified service facility. The personnel there will
assist you, and if necessary, arrange for service.
Acknowledging special precautions
and the FCC and industry canada
notice
Cautions
Modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
FCC compliance information
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference.
Health and safety information
85
(2) This device must accept any interference
received. Including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Information to user
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential
installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV
technician for help.
Health and safety information
86
Appendix A:CERTIFICATION
INFORMATION (SAR)
THIS MODEL PHONE MEETS THE GOVERNMENT ’S
REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPOSURE TO RADIO
WAVES. Your wireless phone is a radio transmitter
and receiver. It is designed and manufactured not
to exceed the emission limits for exposure to radio
frequency (RF) energy set by the Federal
Communications Commission of the U.S.
Government. These limits are part of
comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted
levels of RF energy for the general population. The
guidelines are based on safety standards that
were developed by independent scientific
organizations through periodic and thorough
evaluation of scientific studies. The standards
include a substantial safety margin designed to
assure the safety of all persons, regardless of age
and health.
The exposure standard for wireless mobile phones
employs a unit of measurement known as the
Specific Absorption Rate(SAR). The SAR limit set
by the FCC is 1.6 W/kg.SAR Tests are conducted
using standard operating positions accepted by
the FCC with the phone transmitting at its highest
certified power level in all tested frequency bands.
Although the SAR is determined at the highest
certified power level, the actual SAR level of the
phone while operating can be well below the
maximum value. This is because the phone is
designed to operate at multiple power levels so as
to use only the power required to reach the
network. In general, the closer you are to a
wireless base station antenna, the lower the
power output.
Before a new model phone is available for sale to
the public, it must be tested and certified to the
Health and safety information
87
FCC that it does not exceed the limit established
by the government-adopted requirement for safe
exposure. The tests are performed in positions
and locations (e.g.,at the ear and worn on the
body) as required by the FCC for each model.
The highest SAR values for this model phone as
reported to the FCC are Head:1.08W/Kg, Body-
worn:1.08W/Kg.
The FCC has granted an Equipment Authorization
for this model phone with all reported SAR levels
evaluated as in compliance with the FCC RF
exposure guidelines. SAR information on this
model phone is on file with the FCC and can be
found under the Display Grant section of http://
www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid after searching on FCC ID
A3LSCHN480.
Health and safety information
88
Appendix B: Guide to Safe and
Responsible Wireless Phone Use
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association
“Safety is the most important call you will ever
make.”
A Guide to Safe and Responsible Wireless
Phone Use
TENS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN THE U.S.
TODAY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUE
COMBINATION OF CONVENIENCE, SAFETY AND
VALUE DELIVERED BY THE WIRELESS
TELEPHONE. QUITE SIMPLY, THE WIRELESS
PHONE GIVES PEOPLE THE POWERFUL ABILITY TO
COMMUNICATE BY VOICE-ALMOST ANYWHERE,
ANYTIME-WITH THE BOSS, WITH A CLIENT, WITH
THE KIDS, WITH EMERGENCY PERSONNEL OR
EVEN WITH THE POLICE. EACH YEAR, AMERICANS
MAKE BILLIONS OF CALLS FROM THEIR
WIRELESS PHONES, AND THE NUMBERS ARE
RAPIDLY GROWING.
But an important responsibility accompanies those
benefits, one that every wireless phone user must
uphold. When driving a car, driving is your first
responsibility. A wireless phone can be an
invaluable tool, but good judgment must be
exercised at all times while driving a motor vehicle
whether on the phone or not.
The basic lessons are ones we all learned as
teenagers. Driving requires alertness, caution and
courtesy. It requires a heavy dose of basic
common sense-keep your head up, keep your
eyes on the road, check your mirrors frequently
and watch out for other drivers. It requires
obeying all traffic signs and signals and staying
Health and safety information
89
within the speed limit. It means using seat belts
and requiring other passengers to do the same.
But with wireless phone use, driving safely means
a little more. This brochure is a call to wireless
phone users everywhere to make safety their first
priority when behind the wheel of a car. Wireless
telecommunications is keeping us in touch,
simplifying our lives, protecting us in emergencies
and providing opportunities to help others in need.
When it comes to the use of wireless phones,
safety is your most important call.
Wireless Phone “Safety Tips”
Below are safety tips to follow while driving and
using a wireless phone which should be easy to
remember:
1. Get to know your wireless phone and its
features such as speed dial and redial.
Carefully read your instruction manual and
learn to take advantage of valuable features
most phones offer, including automatic redial
and memory. Also, work to memorize the
phone keypad so you can use the speed dial
function without taking your attention off the
road.
2. When available, use a hands free device. A
number of hands free wireless phone
accessories are readily available today.
Whether you choose an installed mounted
device for your wireless phone or a speaker
phone accessory, take advantage of these
devices if available to you.
3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach.
Make sure you place your wireless phone
within easy reach and where you can grab it
without removing your eyes from the road. If
you get an incoming call at an inconvenient
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90
time, if possible, let your voice mail answer it
for you.
4. Suspend conversations during hazardous
driving conditions or situations. Let the person
you are speaking with know you are driving; if
necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or
hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet,
snow and ice can be hazardous, but so is
heavy traffic. As a driver, your first
responsibility is to pay attention to the road.
5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers
while driving. If you are reading an address
book or business card, or writing a “to do” list
while driving a car, you are not watching where
you are going. It’s common sense. Don’t get
caught in a dangerous situation because you
are reading or writing and not paying attention
to the road or nearby vehicles.
6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible,
place calls when you are not moving or before
pulling into traffic. Try to plan your calls before
you begin your trip or attempt to coincide your
calls with times you may be stopped at a stop
sign, red light or otherwise stationary. But if
you need to dial while driving, follow this
simple tip-dial only a few numbers, check the
road and your mirrors, then continue.
7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional
conversations that may be distracting.
Stressful or emotional conversations and
driving do not mix-they are distracting and
even dangerous when you are behind the
wheel of a car. Make people you are talking
with aware you are driving and if necessary,
suspend conversations which have the
Health and safety information
91
potential to divert your attention from the
road.
8. Use your wireless phone to call for help. Your
wireless phone is one of the greatest tools you
can own to protect yourself and your family in
dangerous situations-with your phone at your
side, help is only three numbers away. Dial 9-
1-1 or other local emergency number in the
case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or
medical emergency. Remember, it is a free call
on your wireless phone!
9. Use your wireless phone to help others in
emergencies. Your wireless phone provides you
a perfect opportunity to be a “Good Samaritan”
in your community. If you see an auto
accident, crime in progress or other serious
emergency where lives are in danger, call 9-1-
1 or other local emergency number, as you
would want others to do for you.
10.Call roadside assistance or a special wireless
non emergency assistance number when
necessary. Certain situations you encounter
while driving may require attention, but are
not urgent enough to merit a call for
emergency services. But you still can use your
wireless phone to lend a hand. If you see a
broken-down vehicle posing no serious hazard,
a broken traffic signal, a minor traffic accident
where no one appears injured or a vehicle you
know to be stolen, call roadside assistance or
other special non-emergency wireless number.
Careless, distracted individuals and people driving
irresponsibly represent a hazard to everyone on
the road. Since 1984, the Cellular
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92
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.”
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association For more information, please call 1-
888-901-SAFE.
For updates: http://www.wow-com.com/
consumer/issues/driving/articles.cfm?ID =85
Health and safety information
93
Appendix C: Consumer Update on
Wireless Phones
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
1. What kinds of phones are the subject of this
update?
The term wireless phone refers here to hand-held
wireless phones with built-in antennas, often
called cell, mobile, or PCS phones. These types of
wireless phones can expose the user to
measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because
of the short distance between the phone and the
user s head. These RF exposures are limited by
Federal Communications Commission safety
guidelines that were developed with the advice of
FDA and other federal health and safety agencies.
When the phone is located at greater distances
from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically
lower because a person’s RF exposure decreases
rapidly with increasing distance from the source.
The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a
base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a
house, typically operate at far lower power levels,
and thus produce RF exposures well within the
FCC’s compliance limits.
2. 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 radio frequency 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
Health and safety information
94
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.
3. 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 radio frequency 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:
l Support needed research into possible
biological effects of RF of the type emitted by
wireless phones;
l Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes
any RF exposure to the user that is not
necessary for device function; and
l Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones
with the best possible information on possible
effects of wireless phone use on human health
Health and safety information
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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:
l National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health
l Environmental Protection Agency Federal
Communications Commission
l Occupational Safety and Health Administration
l National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
l The National Institutes of Health participates in
some interagency working group activities, as
well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless
phones with the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). All phones that are sold in the
United States must comply with FCC safety
guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on
FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the
wireless phone networks rely upon. While these
base stations operate at higher power than do the
wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures
that people get from these base stations are
typically thousands of times lower than those they
can get from wireless phones. Base stations are
thus not the primary subject of the safety
questions discussed in this document.
4. What is FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology
Program and with groups of investigators around
the world to ensure that high priority animal
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96
studies are conducted to address important
questions about the effects of exposure to radio
frequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International Electromagnetic
Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An
influential result of this work has been the
development of a detailed agenda of research
needs that has driven the establishment of new
research programs around the world. The Project
has also helped develop a series of public
information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications &
Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
phone safety. FDA provides the scientific
oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts to independent investigators.
The initial research will include both laboratory
studies and studies of wireless phone users. The
CRADA will also include a broad assessment of
additional research needs in the context of the
latest research developments around the world.
5. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure
to radio frequency energy from my wireless
phone?
If there is a risk from these products—and at this
point we do not know that there is—it is probably
very small. But if you are concerned about
avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few
simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio
frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor
in how much exposure a person receives, reducing
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the amount of time spent using a wireless phone
will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by
wireless phone every day, you could place more
distance between 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.
6. 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 radio frequency 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
Health and safety information
98
by children was strictly precautionary; it was not
based on scientific evidence that any health
hazard exists.
7. Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce
risks from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to
RF emissions from wireless phones, there is no
reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce
risks. Hands-free kits can be used with wireless
phones for convenience and comfort. These
systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the
head because the phone, which is the source of
the RF emissions, will not be placed against the
head. On the other hand, if the phone 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 phones 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.
8. Do wireless phone accessories that claim to
shield the head from RF radiation work?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to
RF emissions from wireless phones, there is no
reason to believe that accessories that claim to
shield the head from those emissions reduce risks.
Some products that claim to shield the user from
RF absorption use special phone cases, while
others involve nothing more than a metallic
accessory attached to the phone. Studies have
shown that these products generally do not work
as advertised. Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-
called “shields” may interfere with proper
operation of the phone. The phone may be forced
to boost its power to compensate, leading to an
Health and safety information
99
increase in RF absorption. In February 2002, the
Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two
companies that sold devices that claimed to
protect wireless phone users from radiation with
making false and unsubstantiated claims.
According to FTC, these defendants lacked a
reasonable basis to substantiate their claim.
9. What about wireless phone interference with
medical equipment?
Radio frequency 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 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
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100
found to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess
the interference and work to resolve the problem.
10.What are the results of the research done
already?
The research done thus far has produced
conflicting results, and many studies have
suffered from flaws in their research methods.
Animal experiments investigating the effects of
radio frequency energy (RF) exposures
characteristic of wireless phones have yielded
conflicting results that often cannot be repeated in
other laboratories. A few animal studies, however,
have suggested that low levels of RF could
accelerate the development of cancer in
laboratory animals. However, many of the studies
that showed increased tumor development used
animals that had been genetically engineered or
treated with cancer causing chemicals so as to be
pre-disposed to develop cancer in the absence of
RF exposure. Other studies exposed the animals
to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These conditions
are not similar to the conditions under which
people use wireless phones, so we don t know
with certainty what the results of such studies
mean for human health.
Three large epidemiology studies have been
published since December 2000. Between them,
the studies investigated any possible association
between the use of wireless phones and primary
brain cancer, gioma, meningioma, or acoustic
neuroma, tumors of the brain or salivary gland,
leukemia, or other cancers. None of the studies
demonstrated the existence of any harmful health
effects from wireless phone RF exposures.
However, none of the studies can answer
questions about long-term exposures, since the
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101
average period of phone use in these studies was
around three years.
11.What research is needed to decide whether RF
exposure from wireless phones poses a health
risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and
epidemiological studies of people actually using
wireless phones would provide some of the data
that are needed. Lifetime animal exposure studies
could be completed in a few years. However, very
large numbers of animals would be needed to
provide reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect
if one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide
data that is directly applicable to human
populations, but 10 or more years follow-up may
be needed to provide answers about some health
effects, such as cancer. This is because the
interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-
causing agent and the time tumors develop - if
they do - may be many, many years. The
interpretation of epidemiological studies is
hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF
exposure during day-to-day use of wireless
phones. Many factors affect this measurement,
such as the angle at which the phone is held, or
which model of phone is used.
12.Which other federal agencies have
responsibilities related to potential RF health
effects?
Additional information on the safety of RF
exposures from various sources can be obtained
from the following organizations.
FCC RF Safety Program:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/
Health and safety information
102
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s
(OSHA):
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/
radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emfpg.html
World health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/
International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection:
http://www.icnirp.de
National Radiation Protection Board (UK):
http://www.nrpb.org.uk
Updated 4/3/2002: US Food and Drug Administra-
tion http://www.fda.gov/cellphones

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