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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:
Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of 
the type emitted by wireless phones;
Design wireless phones 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 phones with the best 
possible information on possible effects of wireless phone use on 
human health
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:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Communications Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency 
working group activities, as well.
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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.
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 radiofrequency 
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 
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brain cancer, glioma, 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 average 
period of phone use in these studies was around three years.
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.
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 studies are conducted to address important questions about 
the effects of exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF).
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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.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to 
radiofrequency 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 radiofrequency 
energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a 
person receives, reducing 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 
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 
“hands-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 increase in RF absorption. In February 
2002, the Federal Trade Commission (F TC) charged two companies 
that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users from 
radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to 
F TC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their 
claim.
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.
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This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by the 
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (A AMI). 
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 found to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference 
and work to resolve the problem. 
For more information, please visit the FDA website at 
http://www.fda.gov  (under “c” in the subject index, select Cell Phones 
> Research).
Emergency Calls
Never rely solely upon your wireless phone for essential 
communications (e.g., medical emergencies), if it can be 
avoided, since a wireless phone requires a complex combination of 
radio signals, relay stations and landline networks for its operation. 
Consequently, emergency calls may not always be possible 
under all conditions on all wireless phone systems. Your wireless 
phone, however, may sometimes be the only available means 
of communication at the scene of an accident. When making an 
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accurately as possible. Never terminate an emergency call until you 
have received clearance to do so. 
FCC Enhanced 911 (E911) Rules
Background
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires wireless 
carriers to transmit specific latitude and longitude location (Automatic 
Location Identification = ALI) information as well as “911” calls to 
Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to identify the location of 
the caller in case of emergency. Generally, the rules require that 
carriers identify an E911 caller’s location within 50 meters of the actual 
location for 67 percent of calls and within 150 meters of the actual 
location for 95 percent of calls.
CASIO G’zOne Ravine™ — ALI Capability
The Ravine™ is an ALI-capable phone equipped with a GPS (Global 
Positioning System) receiver supporting a satellite-based GPS ALI-
capable network to comply with the FCC’s ALI requirements. 
The network compliance with the above FCC requirements is 
dependent on: (a) the use of digital technology by the wireless 
network; (b) GPS satellite signals being able to reach the handset 
(such transmissions do not always work indoors, for example); and (c) 
handset signals reaching wireless “base stations” (atmospheric and 
environmental conditions may cause variations in handset receiving 
signal strength). 
Also the transmission of the ALI information is subject, in part, to 
system constraints within the wireless network to which the E911 
signal is transmitted and over which PCD has no control. 
Finally, customers are advised that the Ravine’s ALI capability is to be 
used for E911 purposes only.
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911 in Lock Mode
The “911” call service is available even in the lock mode.
1.  Enter “911” then press the Send Key.
2. The call connects.
3. The phone exits the Lock Mode for 5 minutes.
4. To exit emergency mode, press the End/Power Key.
911 Using Any Available System
1.  Enter “911” then press the Send Key.
2. The call connects.
3. The phone remains in Emergency Mode for 5 minutes.
4. To exit emergency mode, press the End/Power Key.
Compliance with Other FCC Regulations
Operating Procedures
Never violate any of the following Rules and Regulations of the FCC 
when using your Cellular Phone. Such violations are punishable by 
fine, imprisonment or both.
Never use obscene, indecent, or profane language.
Never use your Cellular Phone to send false distress calls.
Never wiretap or otherwise intercept a phone call, unless you have 
first obtained the consent of the parties participating in the call.
Never make any anonymous calls to annoy, harass, or molest other 
people.
Never charge another account without authorization, to avoid 
payment for service.
Never willfully or maliciously interfere with any other radio 
communications.
Never refuse to yield the line when informed that it is needed for an 
Emergency Call. Also, never take over a line by stating falsely that it 
is needed for an emergency.
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General Safety
Precautions
Your Handheld Portable Telephone is a high quality piece of 
equipment. Before operating, read all instructions and cautionary 
markings on the product, battery and adapter/charger. 
Failure to follow the directions below could result in serious bodily injury 
and/or property damage due to battery liquid leakage, fire or rupture.
DO NOT use or store this equipment in a place where it will be 
exposed to high temperatures, such as near an open flame or heat-
emitting equipment.
DO NOT drop your device or subject it to severe shock. When not 
using, lay down the unit to avoid possible damage due to instability.
DO NOT expose this equipment to rain or spilled beverages.
DO NOT use unauthorized accessories.
DO NOT disassemble the phone or its accessories. If service or repair 
is required, return unit to an authorized PCD cellular service center. If 
the unit is disassembled, the risk of electric shock or fire may result.
DO NOT place this equipment inside the microwave or pressurized 
container. It may cause explosion, product failure or fire.
DO NOT throw this device into the fire or heat. It may cause explosion 
or fire.
DO NOT short the terminal. Also, protect the terminal so that 
conductive objects, such as metal and pencil lead, do not touch or 
get caught in the terminal. It may cause fire or product failure.
When plugging in the USB/ Wall Charger, do not expose the metal 
strap or accessory to the electric plug. It may cause fire, electric 
shock, injury or product failure.
To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not use this device while there is 
lightning outside.
The device is not water-proof. By placing it under a faucet or shower 
and adding water-pressure, or submerging it under water for a long 
time, the warranty will be invalid because the device will become non-
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