own
USA
Wireless Technology
Wireless technology, especially in schools, has become an increasingly controversial topic. The steady
increase in youth cell phone use and the location of cell towers, as well as the increased use of wireless
networks and devices in schools, has made the potential effects of wireless technology on students' health and
safety a concern to many parents and educators.
The type of energy used in wireless technology is radiofrequency (RF). RF radiation is non-ionizing. In other
words, it is not strong enough to affect the structure of atoms it contacts.
RF can be dangerous at very high levels because it creates heat, and has the ability to heat tissue rapidly. This
is the principle by which microwave ovens cook food. Cell phones and wireless networks produce RF, but not
at levels that can cause significant heating. For cell towers, RF energy decreases rapidly with distance and
ground-level exposures are typically well below exposure limits set by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC).
Wireless technology is still relatively new, and world-wide, researchers continue to study the effects of long-
term exposure. To-date, the scientific evidence linking long-term use of cell phones to cancer or other health
effects is not conclusive. More research is needed to clarify the question of safety.
Who is protecting you
U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC ensures that all wireless communication devices sold in the United States follow safety guidelines
that limit radiation exposure. The FCC also authorizes and licenses transmitters and facilities that generate
RF and microwave radiation. Major RF transmitting facilities under the jurisdiction of the FCC, such as radio
and television broadcast stations, satellite-earth stations, experimental radio stations and certain cellular, PCS
and paging facilities, are required to undergo routine evaluation for RF compliance whenever an application is
submitted to the FCC for construction or modification of a transmitting facility or renewal of a license. The
FCC has authority to take action if a wireless phone produces hazardous levels of RF energy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA, in collaboration with the FCC, regulates wireless technology devices such as wireless computer
networks and cellular phones. FDA monitors the health effects of wireless phones and has authority to take
action if wireless phones are shown to emit RF at a level that is hazardous to the user.
What you can do to protect yourself
Although there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that there is a definite risk associated with long-term cell
phone use, people who are concerned can limit exposure by:
• Limiting use — reducing the number/length of calls; and
• Using "hands-free" devices — Using "hands-free" devices can help to keep mobile phones away
from the head.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J) | EPA 402-F-06-032
April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/wireless-technology.html
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RadTown USA
Resources
You can explore this radiation source further through the resources at the following URL:
http://www.epa.gov/radtown/wireless-tech.htmtfresources
We provide these resources on-line rather than here so we can keep the links up-to-date.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J) | EPA 402-F-06-032
April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/wireless-technology.html
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