LG LGE450B Owner’s Manual
User Guide
Guide de l'utilisateur
LG-E450B
E N G L I S H
FRANÇAIS
MFL67841633 (1.0)
www.lg.com/ca
User Guide
•
Screen displays and illustrations may differ
from those you see on actual phone.
•
Some of the contents of this guide may not
apply to your phone, depending on the software
and your service provider. All information in this
document is subject to change without notice.
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This handset is not suitable for people who
have a visual impairment due to the touch
screen keyboard.
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Copyright ©2013 LG Electronics, Inc. All rights
reserved. LG and the LG logo are registered
trademarks of LG Group and its related entities.
All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
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Google™, Google Maps™, Gmail™,
YouTube™, Google Talk™ and Play Store™
are trademarks of Google, Inc.
ENGLISH
Table of contents
For Your Safety..........................................5
Safety Guidelines ....................................11
Important notice .....................................31
Getting to know your phone ...................37
Phone overview .....................................37
Installing the SIM card and battery .........39
Charging the phone ...............................41
Using the memory card..........................41
Locking and unlocking the screen ..........42
Your Home screen ...................................43
Touch screen tips ..................................43
Home screen .........................................44
Customizing the Home screen ..............44
Returning to recently-used
applications ...........................................45
Notifications ..........................................45
Swipe down for notifications &
settings ...............................................46
Quick Settings .....................................46
Indicator icons on the Status Bar ..........47
On-screen keyboard ..............................48
Entering accented letters ......................48
Google account setup .............................49
Connecting to Networks and Devices ....50
Wi-Fi .....................................................50
Connecting to Wi-Fi networks ...............50
2
Turning Wi-Fi on and connecting
to a Wi-Fi network................................50
Bluetooth ...............................................51
Sharing your phone's data connection ...52
PC connections with a USB cable ...........54
Calls ........................................................56
Making a call .........................................56
Calling your contacts .............................56
Answering and rejecting a call ...............56
Adjusting the in-call volume ...................57
Making a second call .............................57
Viewing your call logs ............................57
Call settings ...........................................58
Contacts ..................................................59
Searching for a contact ..........................59
Adding a new contact ............................59
Favorite contacts ...................................59
Creating a group ....................................60
Messaging ...............................................61
Sending a message ...............................61
Threaded box .......................................62
Changing your message settings ...........62
E-mail ......................................................63
Managing an email account ...................63
Working with account folders .................63
Composing and sending email ...............64
Camera ....................................................65
Getting to know the viewfinder ..............65
Using the advanced settings ..................66
Taking a quick photo .............................67
Once you've taken a photo.....................68
Viewing your saved photos ....................69
Video camera ..........................................70
Getting to know the viewfinder ..............70
Using the advanced settings ..................71
Recording a quick video .........................71
After recording a video...........................72
Watching your saved videos ..................72
Adjusting the volume when viewing a
video .....................................................72
LG Unique Function.................................73
QuickMemo ...........................................73
Using the QuickMemo options ..............74
Viewing the saved QuickMemo ............74
LG SmartWorld ......................................75
How to Get to LG SmartWorld from
YourPhone ..........................................75
How to use LG SmartWorld ...................75
Multimedia ..............................................77
Gallery ...................................................77
Viewing pictures ..................................77
Playing videos .....................................77
Editing photos/videos ...........................78
Deleting images ...................................78
Setting as wallpaper ............................78
Videos ...................................................78
Playing a video ....................................78
Music ....................................................79
Playing a song .....................................79
Utilities ....................................................82
Setting your alarm .................................82
Using your calculator .............................82
Adding an event to your calendar ...........82
Voice Recorder ......................................83
Recording a sound or voice ..................83
Tasks .....................................................83
Polaris Viewer 4 .....................................84
Google+ ................................................84
Voice Search..........................................84
Downloads ............................................84
The Web ..................................................85
Browser .................................................85
Using the Web toolbar ..........................85
Viewing webpages ...............................85
Opening a page ...................................85
Searching the web by voice ..................86
Bookmarks ..........................................86
History ................................................86
Chrome .................................................86
Viewing webpages ...............................86
Opening a page ...................................87
Searching the web by voice ..................87
Syncing with other devices ...................87
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Table of contents
Settings ...................................................88
Access the Settings menu .....................88
WIRELESS & NETWORKS .......................88
DEVICE ..................................................90
PERSONAL .............................................92
SYSTEM .................................................93
PC software (LG PC Suite) ......................95
Phone software update ..........................98
About this user guide ...........................100
About this user guide ...........................100
Trademarks .........................................100
Accessories ...........................................101
Troubleshooting ....................................102
4
For Your Safety
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. Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this user guide could void your warranty for this equipment.
Before You Start
Safety Instructions
WARNING
To reduce the possibility of electric shock, do not expose your phone to high
humidity areas, such as the bathroom, swimming pool, etc.
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 inadequately 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.
5
For Your Safety
Safety Information
Read these simple guidelines. Breaking the rules may be dangerous or illegal. Further
detailed information is given in this user guide.
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Never use an unapproved battery since this could damage the phone and/or battery
and could cause the battery to explode.
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Never place your phone in a microwave oven as it will cause the battery to explode.
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Your phone contains an internal battery. Do not dispose of your battery by fire or with
hazardous or flammable materials.
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Make sure that no sharp-edged items come into contact with the battery. There is a
risk of this causing a fire.
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Store the battery in a place out of reach of children.
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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.
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Unplug the power cord and charger during lightning storms to avoid electric shock or
fire.
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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.
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Do not use a hand-held phone while driving.
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Do not use the phone in areas where its use is prohibited. (For example: aircraft).
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Do not expose the battery charger or adapter to direct sunlight or use it in places with
high humidity, such as a bathroom.
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Never store your phone in temperatures less than -4 °F (-20 °C) or greater than
122°F (50 °C).
6
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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.
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Do not drop, strike, or shake your phone severely. Such actions may harm the internal
circuit boards of the phone.
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Do not use your phone in high explosive areas as the phone may generate sparks.
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Do not damage the power cord by bending, twisting, pulling, or heating.
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Do not use the plug if it is loose as it may cause a fire or electric shock.
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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.
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Do not handle the phone with wet hands while it is being charged. It may cause an
electric shock or seriously damage your phone.
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Do not disassemble the phone.
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Do not place or answer calls while charging the phone as it may short-circuit the
phone and/or cause electric shock or fire.
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Only use the batteries, antennas, and chargers provided by LG. The warranty will not
be applied to products provided by other suppliers.
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Only authorized personnel should service the phone and its accessories. Faulty
installation or service may result in accidents and consequently invalidate the
warranty.
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Do not hold or let the antenna come in contact with your body during a call.
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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.
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Use accessories, such as earphones and headsets, with caution. Ensure that cables
are tucked away safely and do not touch the antenna unnecessarily.
7
For Your Safety
FCC RF Exposure Information
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Use only the supplied and approved antenna. Use of unauthorized antennas or
modifications could impair call quality, damage the phone, void your warranty and/or
result in violation of FCC regulations. Do not use the phone with a damaged antenna.
If a damaged antenna comes into contact with skin, a minor burn may result. Contact
your local dealer for a replacement antenna.
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 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.
Third-party belt-clips, holsters, and similar accessories containing metallic components
may not be used.
8
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 RF exposure limits and should
be avoided.
Vehicle Mounted External Antenna
(optional, if available)
A minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained between
theuser/bystander and the vehicle mounted external antenna to satisfy FCC RF
exposure requirements. For more information about RF exposure, visit the FCC website
at www.fcc.gov
FCC Part 15 Class B Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and ICES-003 Class B digital apparatus
requirements for Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Cautions for Battery
•
Do not disassemble.
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Do not short-circuit.
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Do not expose to high temperature: 140°F (60°C).
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Do not incinerate.
9
For Your Safety
Battery Disposal
•
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.
Adapter (Charger) Cautions
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Using the wrong battery charger could damage your phone and void your warranty.
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The adapter or battery charger is intended for indoor use only.
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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
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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.
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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.
10
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:
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).
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Safety Guidelines
Antenna Care
Use only the supplied or an approved replacement antenna. Unauthorized antennas,
modifications, or attachments could damage the phone and may violate FCC
regulations.
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;
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Use hands-free operation, if available;
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Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so
require.
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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.
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:
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Should ALWAYS keep the phone more than six inches from their pacemaker when the
phone is turned ON.
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Should not carry the phone in a breast pocket.
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Should use the ear opposite the pacemaker to minimize the potential for interference.
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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.
13
Safety Guidelines
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
area or in areas posted: ‘Turn off two-way radio’. Obey all signs and instructions.
14
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 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 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
the times after reading it.
Charger and Adapter Safety
•
The charger and adapter are intended for indoor use only.
15
Safety Guidelines
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. If you need
to replace the battery, take it to the nearest authorized LG Electronics service point or
dealer for assistance.
•
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.
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.
16
•
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 short-circuit
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 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 being used for a long period time, store it in a safe place with
the power cord 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. If the
phone does not work, take it to an LG Authorized Service Centre.
•
Do not paint your phone.
17
Safety Guidelines
•
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 center. You should never attempt to open or disassemble this
device yourself and doing so may cause damage that will void your warranty.
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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
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 phones to notify
users of the health hazard and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard
no longer exists.
19
Safety Guidelines
Although the existing scientific data does 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 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 the wireless phones do
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.
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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 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 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.
21
Safety Guidelines
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 is 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.
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 Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do
research on wireless phone safety. The FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining
22
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
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Safety Guidelines
test method uses a tissuesimulating model of the human head. Standardized SAR test
methodology is expected to greatly improve the consistency of 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 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
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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 ‘compatible’ phone and a ‘compatible’ hearing aid at the same time. This standard
was approved by the IEEE in 2000. The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless
phones for possible interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference
be found to occur, the FDA will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to
resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
FDA web page on wireless phones (http://www.fda.gov/)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection
(http://www.icnirp.de)
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Safety Guidelines
World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project
(http://www.who.int/emf)
National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
(http://www.nrpb.org.uk/)
10 Driver Safety Tips
Your wireless phone gives you the powerful ability to communicate by voice almost
anywhere, anytime. An important responsibility accompanies the benefits of wireless
phones, one that every user must uphold. When operating a car, driving is your first
responsibility.
When using your wireless phone behind the wheel of a car, practice good common
sense and remember the following tips:
1. Get to know your wireless phone and its features such as speed dial and redial.
Carefully read your instruction manual and learn to take advantage of valuable
features most phones offer, including automatic redial and memory. Also, work to
memorize the phone keypad so you can use the speed dial function without taking
your attention off the road.
2. When available, use a handsfree device. A number of handsfree wireless phone
accessories are readily available today. Whether you choose an installed mounted
device for your wireless phone or a speaker phone accessory, take advantage of
these devices if available to you.
3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach. Make sure you place your wireless
phone within easy reach and where you can reach it without removing your eyes
from the road. If you get an incoming call at an inconvenient time, if possible, let your
voicemail answer it for you.
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4. Suspend conversations during hazardous driving conditions or situations. Let the
person you are speaking with know you are driving; if necessary, suspend the call
in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can
be hazardous, but so is heavy traffic. As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay
attention to the road.
5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. If you are reading an
address book or business card, or writing a “to-do” list while driving a car, you
are not watching where you are going. It is common sense. Don’t get caught in a
dangerous situation because you are reading or writing and not paying attention to
the road or nearby vehicles.
6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place calls when you are not moving
or before pulling into traffic. Try to plan your calls before you begin your trip or
attempt to coincide your calls with times you may be stopped at a stop sign, red light
or otherwise stationary. But if you need to dial while driving, follow this simple tip —
dial only a few numbers, check the road and your mirrors, then continue.
7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting.
Stressful or emotional conversations and driving do not mix; they are distracting
and even dangerous when you are behind the wheel of a car. Make people you are
talking with aware you are driving and if necessary, suspend conversations which
have the potential to divert your attention from the road.
8. Use your wireless phone to call for help. Your wireless phone is one of the greatest
tools you can own to protect yourself and your family in dangerous situations —
with your phone at your side, help is only three numbers away. Dial 911 or other
local emergency number in the case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical
emergency. Remember, it is a free call on your wireless phone!
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Safety Guidelines
9. Use your wireless phone to help others in emergencies. Your wireless phone provides
you a perfect opportunity to be a “Good Samaritan” in your community. If you see
an auto accident, crime in progress or other serious emergency where lives are in
danger, call 911 or other local emergency number, as you would want others to do
for you.
10. Call roadside assistance or a special wireless nonemergency assistance number
when necessary. Certain situations you encounter while driving may require
attention, but are not urgent enough to merit a call for emergency services. But you
can still use your wireless phone to lend a hand. If you see a broken-down vehicle
posing no serious hazard, a broken traffic signal, a minor traffic accident where no
one appears injured or a vehicle, you know to be stolen, call roadside assistance or
other special non-emergency wireless number.
For more information, please call to 888- 901-SAFE.
Consumer Information on SAR
(Specific Absorption Rate)
This Model Phone Meets the Government’s Requirements for Exposure to Radio
Waves.
Your wireless phone is a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured
not to exceed the emission limits for exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy set by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S. Government. These limits
are part of comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for
the general population. The guidelines are based on standards that were developed
by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough evaluation of
scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to assure
the safety of all persons, regardless of age and health.
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