U.S. Food and Drug Administration - CDRH Mobile
Skip NavigationFDA Logo links to FDA home pageCenter for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHHS Logo links to Department of Health and Human Services website
FDA Home Page | CDRH Home Page | Search | A-Z Index U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCenter for Devices and Radiological Health Questions?
horizonal rule
  Cell Phones
Cell Phones Home
Health Issues
Reducing Exposure
Device Interference
Hearing Aids
Children
Research
Radiofrequency Background
Radiological Health Home Page

Reducing Exposure: Hands-free Kits and Other Accessories

Steps to reduce exposure to radiofrequency energy

If there is a risk from being exposed to radiofrequency energy (RF) from cell phones--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 RF exposure.

  • Reduce the amount of time spent using your cell phone
  • Use speaker mode or a headset to place more distance between your head and the cell phone.

Hands-free kits

Hand-free kits may include audio or Bluetooth headsets and various types of body-worn accessories such as belt-clips and holsters. Combinations of these can be used to reduce RF energy absorption from cell phone.

Headsets can substantially reduce exposure since the phone is held away from the head in the user’s hand or in approved body-worn accessories. Cell phones marketed in the U.S. are required to meet RF exposure compliance requirements when used against the head and against the body.

Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from cell phones, there is no reason to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be used for convenience and comfort. They are also required by law in many states if you want to use your phone while driving.

Cell phone accessories that claim to shield the head from RF radiation

Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF emissions from cell 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 increase in RF absorption.

Updated October 14, 2008

horizonal rule

CDRH Home Page | CDRH A-Z Index | Contact CDRH | Accessibility | Disclaimer
FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA | HHS Home Page

Center for Devices and Radiological Health / CDRH