H870V
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS
MBM65369101 (1.0)Printed in XXXXX
QUICK START GUIDE
BC
www.lg.com/ca
Overview
To turn on the device, press and hold the for a few seconds.
For more information, please visit
www.lg.com/ca to view the user guide.
ENGLISH
1
Installing the SIM card and memory card
Memory (Optional)
SIM cardSIM card
Always use a genuine SIM card supplied by the operator.
2
For Your Safety
Important information about the device
•
Device apps and services are subject to change
or cancellation without notice, depending on the
provider's situation and the software version.
•
When the device is turned on for the first time, an
initial configuration takes place. The first booting
time may be longer than usual.
Read before use
•
To purchase optional items, contact the LG
Customer Information Centre for available dealers.
•
The appearance and specifications of the device
are subject to change without notice.
•
Do not use LG products for other purposes than
those originally intended. Using non-certified apps
or software may damage the device and this is not
covered by warranty.
Important Information
This user guide contains important information on
the use and operation of this phone. Please read all
the information carefully for optimal performance and
to prevent any damage to or misuse of the phone.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
Before You Start
Safety Instructions
To reduce the possibility of electric shock, do
not expose your phone to high humidity areas,
such as the bathroom, swimming pool, etc.
3
For Your Safety
Always store your phone away from heat. Never
store your phone in settings that may expose it
to temperatures less than 32°F (0°C) or greater
than 104°F (40°C), such as outside during extreme
weather conditions or in your car on a hot day.
Exposure to excessive cold or heat will result in
malfunction, damage and/or catastrophic failure.
Be careful when using your phone near other
electronic devices. RF emissions from your mobile
phone may affect nearby in adequately shielded
electronic equipment. You should consult with
manufacturers of any personal medical devices such
as pacemakers and hearing aides to determine if
they are susceptible to interference from your mobile
phone.
Turn off your phone in a medical facility or at a gas
station. Never place your phone in a microwave oven
as this will cause the battery to explode.
4
Safety Information
Read these simple guidelines. Breaking the rules may
be dangerous or illegal. Further detailed information
is given in this user guide.
Never use an unapproved battery since this could
damage the phone and/or battery and could cause
the battery to explode.
•
Never place your phone in a microwave oven as it
will cause the battery to explode.
•
Your phone contains an internal battery. Do not
dispose of your battery by fire or with hazardous or
flammable materials.
•
Make sure that no sharpedged items come into
contact with the battery. There is a risk of this
causing a fire.
•
Store the battery in a place out of reach of children.
•
Be careful that children do not swallow any parts
such as rubber plugs (earphone, connection parts
of the phone, etc.). This could cause asphyxiation
or suffocation.
•
Unplug the power cord and charger during lightning
storms to avoid electric shock or fire.
•
When riding in a car, do not leave your phone or set
up the hands-free kit near to the air bag. If wireless
equipment is improperly installed and the air bag is
activated, you may be seriously injured.
•
Do not use a hand-held phone while driving.
•
Do not use the phone in areas where its use is
prohibited. (For example: aircraft).
•
Do not expose the battery charger or adapter to
direct sunlight or use it in places with high humidity,
such as a bathroom.
•
Never store your phone in temperatures less than
-4°F (-20°C) or greater than 122°F (50°C).
•
Do not use harsh chemicals (such as alcohol,
benzene, thinners, etc.) or detergents to clean your
phone. There is a risk of this causing a fire.
•
Do not drop, strike, or shake your phone severely.
Such actions may harm the internal circuit boards
of the phone.
•
Do not use your phone in high explosive areas as
the phone may generate sparks.
•
Do not damage the power cord by bending,
twisting, pulling, or heating.
•
Do not use the plug if it is loose as it may cause a
fire or electric shock.
•
Do not place any heavy items on the power cord.
Do not allow the power cord to be crimped as it
may cause fire or electric shock.
•
Do not handle the phone with wet hands while it is
being charged. It may cause an electric shock or
5
For Your Safety
seriously damage your phone.
•
Do not disassemble the phone.
•
Do not place or answer calls while charging the
phone as it may short-circuit the phone and/or
cause electric shock or fire.
•
Only use the batteries, antennas, and chargers
provided by LG. The warranty will not be applied to
products provided by other suppliers.
•
Only authorized personnel should service the phone
and its accessories. Faulty installation or service
may result in accidents and consequently invalidate
the warranty.
•
Do not hold or let the antenna come in contact with
your body during a call.
•
An emergency call can be made only within a
service area. For an emergency call, make sure that
you are within a service area and that the phone
is turned on.
6
•
Use accessories, such as earphones and headsets,
with caution. Ensure that cables are tucked away
safely and do not touch the antenna unnecessarily.
FCC RF Exposure Information
Read this information before operating the
phone.
In August 1996, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) of the United States, with its
action in Report and Order FCC 96-326, adopted
an updated safety standard for human exposure to
radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted
by FCC regulated transmitters. Those guidelines are
consistent with the safety standard previously set by
both U.S. and international standards bodies.
The design of this phone complies with the FCC
guidelines and these international standards.
Body-worn Operation
This device was tested for typical body-worn
operations with the back of the phone kept 1 cm
(0.39 inches) between the user’s body and the back
of the phone. To comply with FCC/IC RF exposure
requirements, a minimum separation distance of 1
cm (0.39 inches) must be maintained between the
user’s body and the back of the phone.
Any belt-clips, holsters, and similar accessories
containing metallic components may not be used.
Body-worn accessories that cannot maintain 1 cm
(0.39 inches) separation distance between the user’s
body and the back of the phone, and have not been
tested for typical bodyworn operations may not
comply with FCC/IC RF exposure limits and should
be avoided.
FCC Part 15 Class B Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and IC
license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Part 15.105 statement
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
7
For Your Safety
interference with radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, you can try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
8
Cautions for Battery
•
•
•
•
Battery Disposal
•
•
Adapter (Charger) Cautions
•
•
Do not disassemble.
Do not short-circuit.
Do not expose to high temperature: 140°F (60°C).
Do not incinerate.
Please dispose of your battery properly or bring to
your local wireless carrier for recycling.
Your phone contains an internal battery. Do not
dispose of your battery by fire or with hazardous or
flammable materials.
Using the wrong battery charger could damage your
phone and void your warranty.
The adapter or battery charger is intended for
indoor use only.
•
Do not expose the adapter or battery charger to
direct sunlight or use it in places with high humidity,
such as the bathroom.
Avoid damage to your hearing
•
Damage to your hearing can occur if you are
exposed to loud sounds for long periods of time.
We therefore recommend that you do not turn
on or off the handset close to your ear. We also
recommend that music and call volumes are set to
a reasonable level.
•
If you are listening to music whilst out and about,
please ensure that the volume is at a reasonable
level so that you are aware of your surroundings.
This is particularly imperative when attempting to
cross the street.
9
Safety Guidelines
TIA Safety Information
Provided herein is the complete TIA Safety
Information for Wireless Handheld phones. Inclusion
of the text covering Pacemakers, Hearing Aids, and
Other Medical Devices is required in the owner’s
manual for CTIA Certification. Use of the remaining
TIA language is encouraged when appropriate.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Signal
Your wireless handheld portable telephone is a low
power radio transmitter and receiver. When it is ON,
it receives and also sends out radio frequency (RF)
signals. In August, 1996, the Federal Communications
Commissions (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines
with safety levels for handheld wireless phones.
Those guidelines are consistent with the safety
standards previously set by both U.S. and
international standards bodies:
10
ANSI C95.1 (1992) *
NCRP Report 86 (1986)
ICNIRP (1996)
Those standards were based on comprehensive
and periodic evaluations of the relevant scientific
literature. For example, over 120 scientists, engineers,
and physicians from universities, government health
agencies, and industry reviewed the available body of
research to develop the ANSI Standard (C95.1).
* American National Standards Institute; National
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements;
International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection
The design of your phone complies with the FCC
guidelines (and those standards).
Phone Operation
NORMAL POSITION: Hold the phone as you would
any other telephone with the antenna pointed up and
over your shoulder.
Tips on Efficient Operation
For your phone to operate most efficiently:
•
Do not touch the antenna unnecessarily when the
phone is in use. Contact with the antenna affects
call quality and may cause the phone to operate at
a higher power level than otherwise needed.
Driving
Check the laws and regulations on the use of wireless
phones in the areas where you drive. Always obey
them. Also, if using your phone while driving, please:
•
Give full attention to driving - driving safely is your
first responsibility;
•
Use hands-free operation, if available;
•
Pull off the road and park before making or
answering a call if driving conditions so require.
Electronic Devices
Most modern electronic equipment is shielded from
RF signals.
However, certain electronic equipment may not be
shielded against the RF signals from your wireless
phone.
11
Pacemakers
The Health Industry Manufacturers Association
recommends that a minimum separation of six
(6”) inches be maintained between a handheld
wireless phone and a pacemaker to avoid potential
interference with the pacemaker.
These recommendations are consistent with the
independent research by and recommendations
of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with
pacemakers:
•
Should ALWAYS keep the phone more than six
inches from their pacemaker when the phone is
turned ON;
•
Should not carry the phone in a breast pocket.
•
Should use the ear opposite the pacemaker to
minimize the potential for interference.
12
•
If you have any reason to suspect that interference
is taking place, turn your phone OFF immediately.
Hearing Aids
Some digital wireless phones may interfere with some
hearing aids. In the event of such interference, you
may want to consult your service provider.
Other Medical Devices
If you use any other personal medical device, consult
the manufacturer of your device to determine if they
are adequately shielded from external RF energy.
Your physician may be able to assist you in obtaining
this information.
Health Care Facilities
Turn your phone OFF in health care facilities when
any regulations posted in these areas instruct you
to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may use
equipment that could be sensitive to external RF
energy.
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or
inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor
vehicles. Check with the manufacturer or its
representative regarding your vehicle.
You should also consult the manufacturer of any
equipment that has been added to your vehicle.
Posted Facilities
Turn your phone OFF in any facility where posted
notices so require.
Aircraft
FCC regulations prohibit using your phone while in
the air. Turn your phone OFF before boarding an
aircraft.
Blasting Areas
To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn
your phone OFF when in a blasting areas or in areas
posted: ‘Turn off two-way radio’. Obey all signs and
instructions.
Potentially Explosive Atmosphere
Turn your phone OFF when in any area with a
potentially explosive atmosphere and obey all signs
and instructions. Sparks in such areas could cause
an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are
often, but not always, marked clearly. Potential areas
may include: fueling areas (such as gasoline stations);
below deck on boats; fuel or chemical transfer or
storage facilities; vehicles using liquefied petroleum
gas (such as propane or butane); areas where the air
13
Safety Guidelines
contains chemicals or particles (such as grain, dust,
or metal powders); and any other area where you
would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle
engine.
For Vehicles Equipped with an Air Bag
An air bag inflates with great force. DO NOT place
objects, including either installed or portable wireless
equipment, in the area over the air bag or in the
air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless
equipment is improperly installed and the air bag
inflates, serious injury could result.
Safety Information
Please read and observe the following information for
safe and proper use of your phone and to prevent
damage. Also, keep the user guide in an accessible
place at all times after reading it.
14
Charger and Adapter Safety
The charger and adapter are intended for indoor
use only.
Battery Information and Care
•
Please dispose of your battery properly or take it to
your local wireless carrier for recycling.
•
The battery does not need to be fully discharged
before recharging.
•
Use only LG-approved chargers specific to your
phone model since they are designed to maximize
battery life.
•
Do not disassemble or impact the battery as it may
cause electric shock, short-circuit, and fire. Store
the battery in a place out of reach of children.
•
Replace the battery when it no longer provides
acceptable performance. The battery can
be recharged several hundred times before
replacement.
•
Recharge the battery after long periods of non-use
to maximize battery life.
•
Battery life will vary due to usage patterns and
environmental conditions.
•
Use of extended backlighting, Media Net Browsing,
and data connectivity kits affect battery life and
talk/standby times.
•
Actual battery life will depend on network
configuration, product settings, usage patterns,
battery and environmental conditions.
•
Always unplug the charger from the wall socket
after the phone is fully charged to save unnecessary
power consumption of the charger.
Explosion, Shock, and Fire Hazards
•
Do not put your phone in a place subject to
excessive dust and keep the minimum required
distance between the power cord and heat sources.
•
Unplug the power cord prior to cleaning your
phone, and clean the power plug pin when it is
dirty.
•
When using the power plug, ensure that it is firmly
connected. If it is not, it may cause excessive heat
or fire.
•
If you put your phone in a pocket or bag without
covering the receptacle of the phone (power plug
pin), metallic articles (such as a coin, paperclip or
pen) may shortcircuit the phone. Always cover the
receptacle when not in use.
•
Do not short-circuit the battery. Metallic articles
such as a coin, paperclip or pen in your pocket or
15
Safety Guidelines
bag may short-circuit the + and – terminals of the
battery (metal strips on the battery) upon moving.
Short-circuiting of the terminal may damage the
battery and cause an explosion.
General Notice
•
Using a damaged battery or placing a battery in
your mouth may cause serious injury.
•
Do not place items containing magnetic
components such as a credit card, phone card,
bank book or subway ticket near your phone. The
magnetism of the phone may damage the data
stored in the magnetic strip.
•
Talking on your phone for a long period of time
may reduce call quality due to heat generated
during use.
•
When the phone is not used for a long period
time, store it in a safe place with the power cord
16
unplugged.
•
Using the phone in proximity to receiving
equipment (i.e., TV or radio) may cause interference
to the phone.
•
Do not use the phone if the antenna is damaged.
If a damaged antenna contacts skin, it may cause
a slight burn. Please contact an LG Authorized
Service Centre to replace the damaged antenna.
•
Do not immerse your phone in water. If this
happens, turn it off immediately and remove the
battery. If the phone does not work, take it to an LG
Authorized Service Centre.
•
Do not paint your phone.
•
The data saved in your phone might be deleted
due to careless use, repair of the phone, or upgrade
of the software. Please backup your important
phone numbers. (Ring tones, text messages, voice
messages, pictures, and videos could also be
deleted.) The manufacturer is not liable for damage
due to the loss of data.
•
When you use the phone in public places, set the
ring tone to vibration so as not to disturb others.
•
Do not turn your phone on or off when putting it
near your ear.
•
Your phone is an electronic device that generates
heat during normal operation. Extremely prolonged,
direct skin contact in the absence of adequate
ventilation may result in discomfort or minor burns.
Therefore, use care when handling your phone
during or immediately after operation.
•
Do not attempt to repair or modify the device
yourself. Your device is equipped with an internal
rechargeable battery which should be replaced only
by LG or an authorized LG repair centre. You should
never attempt to open or disassemble this device
yourself and doing so may cause damage that will
void your warranty.
FDA Consumer Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Centre for
Devices and Radiological Health Consumer Update
on Mobile Phones.
1. Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show
that any health problems are associated with using
wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that
wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones
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 standby 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
17
Safety Guidelines
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.
2. What is the FDA’s role concerning the safety of
wireless phones?
Under the law, the 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 radio frequency energy (RF) at a
level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case,
the FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless
18
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, the 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 of wireless phones with the
best possible information on possible effects of
wireless phone use on human health.
The 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
•
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(Administración de la seguridad y salud laborales)
•
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
•
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some
interagency working group activities, as well.
The 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. The FCC relies
on the FDA and other health agencies for safety
questions about wireless phones.
The 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 subject of the
safety questions discussed in this document.
3. What kinds of phones are the subject of this
update?
The term ‘wireless phone’ refers here to handheld
wireless phones with builtin antennas, often called
‘cell’, ‘mobile’, or ‘PCS’ phones. These types of
19
Safety Guidelines
wireless phones can expose the user to measurable
radiofrequency energy (RF) because of the short
distance between the phone and the user’s head.
These RF exposures are limited by FCC safety
guidelines that were developed with the advice of the
FDA and other federal health and safety agencies.
When the phone 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 phones,’ which have a base
unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house,
typically operate at far lower power levels, and thus
produce RF exposures far below the FCC safety
limits.
4. 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
20
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 predisposed
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 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 longterm exposures, since the average period
of phone use in these studies was around three years.
5. 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.
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Safety Guidelines
6. What is the FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
The 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). The 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. The FDA
and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet
Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative
22
Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
to do research on wireless phone safety. The FDA
provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input
from experts in government, industry, and academic
organizations. CTIA funded research is conducted
through contracts with 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.
7. How can I find out how much radiofrequency
energy exposure I can get by using my wireless
phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply
with Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
guidelines that limit radiofrequency energy (RF)
exposures. The FCC established these guidelines
in consultation with the FDA and the other federal
health and safety agencies. The FCC limit for RF
exposure from wireless telephones is set at a Specific
Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6
W/kg). The FCC limit is consistent with the safety
standards developed by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) and the National
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement.
The exposure limit takes into consideration the
body’s ability to remove heat from the tissues that
absorb energy from the wireless phone and is set well
below levels known to have effects. Manufacturers of
wireless phones must report the RF exposure level for
each model of phone to the FCC. The FCC website
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) gives directions
for locating the FCC identification number on your
phone so you can find your phone’s RF exposure
level in the online listing.
8. What has the FDA done to measure the
radiofrequency energy coming from wireless
phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
(IEEE) is developing a technical standard for
measuring the radiofrequency energy (RF) exposure
from wireless phones and other wireless handsets
with the participation and leadership of FDA scientists
and engineers. The standard, ‘Recommended
Practice for Determining the Spatial- Peak Specific
Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Body Due to
Wireless Communications Devices: Experimental
Techniques,’ sets forth the first consistent test
methodology for measuring the rate at which RF is
deposited in the heads of wireless phone users. The
test method uses a tissue simulating model of the
human head. Standardized SAR test methodology
is expected to greatly improve the consistency of
23
Safety Guidelines
measurements made at different laboratories on
the same phone. SAR is the measurement of the
amount of energy absorbed in tissue, either by
the whole body or a small part of the body. It is
measured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of matter.
This measurement is used to determine whether a
wireless phone complies with safety guidelines.
9. 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
24
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 the wireless phone away
from your body or use a wireless phone connected
to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data does
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.
10. 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.
11. What about wireless phone interference with
medical equipment?
Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can
interact with some electronic devices. For this reason,
the FDA helped develop a detailed test method
to measure electromagnetic interference (EMI) of
implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators from
wireless telephones. This test method is now part
of a standard sponsored by the Association for the
Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI).
The final draft, a joint effort by the 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.
The 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
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