NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	For Immediate Release: May 8, 2002 FCC News Media Contact: Tricia Kinch (202) 418-2088 FDA Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242
	FDA-FCC Cellular Phone and RadioFrequency Energy Website Posted for Public Use and Comment
	The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have established a joint web site, Cell Phone Facts, to provide consumer information regarding cellular phones and radiofrequency (RF) energy. This web site provides the public with information from both government agencies involved in the regulation of cell phones (also known as wireless, mobile, or PCS phones) and their base stations. It provides a review of how cell phones work and answers questions raised about their safety. It also includes a link to the FCC's web site that contains additional information about radiofrequency safety as it relates to other sources of RF energy. Most of the concerns about cell phone safety involve the phone's production of RF energy from a source close to the head or body of the user. The web site explains that although cell phones use RF to transmit calls, the FCC limits the amount of RF energy that may be produced by a cell phone to safe levels and the levels permitted are far below the levels determined by scientific experts to have the potential for an adverse effect on humans. It also observes that while no scientific evidence has been published demonstrating harm from short- term exposures to low levels of RF energy, studies are now underway to look at the possible risks of long-term exposures. The results of any such studies will also be posted on the web site and both agencies will take follow-up action as appropriate. The new web site summarizes the government's safety standards for cell phones and describes the role of each agency in RF safety regulation. It also explains what RF energy is, how it is used, and how it is measured; how the current safety standards were established; the role of local and state governments; and where to obtain additional information on related topics from other sources. The FDA and the FCC will periodically update the website in response to queries and comments received from the public and as new information becomes available. The FDA-FCC RF safety web site is available for public use and comment at www.fda.gov/cellphones and www.fcc.gov/cellphones FCC Office of Engineering & Technology Contact: Bruce Romano (202) 418-2470 FCC