User's Manual

Consumer Information on Wireless TABLETs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a series of Questions and
Answers for consumers relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure from wireless TABLETs.
The FDA publication includes the following information:
What kinds of TABLETs are the subject of this update?
The term wireless TABLET refers here to hand-held wireless TABLETs with built-in
antennas, often called “cell,” “mobile,” or “PCS” TABLETs. These types of wireless
TABLETs can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy (RF) because of the
short distance between the TABLET 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 TABLET 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 TABLETs,¡± which have a base unit connected to the teleTABLET
wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower power levels, and thus produce RF
exposures well within the FCC¡¯s compliance limits.
Do wireless TABLETs pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated
with using wireless TABLETs. There is no proof, however, that wireless TABLETs are
absolutely safe. Wireless TABLETs 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 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 TABLETs?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products
such as wireless TABLETs before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical
devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless TABLETs 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 TABLETs to notify users of the health
hazard and to repair, replace or recall the TABLETs so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged
the wireless TABLET 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 TABLETs;
•”Design wireless TABLETs 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 TABLETs with the best possible information on
possible effects of wireless TABLET use on human health.