LG P990HN User Manual
USER GUIDE
LG-P990hN /
LG-P999
P/N : MFL67121844 (1.0) W
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS
www.lg.com
Bluetooth QD ID B017628
LG-P990hN User Guide - English
Some of the contents of this
•
manual may not apply to your
phone depending on your phone’s
software and your service provider.
This handset is not recommended
•
for the visually impaired because
of its touch-screen keypad.
Copyright ©2011 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.
Contents
For Your Safety ............................. 5
Safety Guidelines .......................12
Important notice ......................... 34
1. Phone memory ......................34
2. Optimising battery life .............34
3. Installing an open source OS...35
4. Using unlock pattern...............36
Connecting to Wi-Fi networks .... 37
5.
6. Open
ing and switching
applications ............................38
7. Installing th
8. C
9. Unlock screen when using data
10. Do not connect your phone
11. Hold your phone upright ....... 42
12. If the screen freezes .............42
Getting to know your phone .......43
Installing the SIM card and
battery ....................................... 45
Charging your phone .................. 46
Installing the memory card .........46
Formatting the memory card ......47
2
e LG PC suite on your
PC ......................................... 38
onnecting your phone to a
computer via USB ................... 40
connection ............................. 42
when you power on/off your
PC ....................................... 42
Your Home screen ......................49
Touch-screen tips ......................49
Lock your phone ........................49
Unlock screen ............................ 50
Home .......................................50
Setting the number of home
screens ..................................... 51
Adding widgets to your home
screen ....................................... 51
Getting back to a recently used
application ................................. 52
Home preview function ............... 52
Capturing the screen .................. 52
Onscreen keyboard ....................54
Entering accented letters ............ 55
Google Account Set-up .............. 56
Creating your Google account ..... 56
Signing in to your Google
account ..................................... 56
Calls/Contacts ............................ 58
Making a voice call .....................58
Calling your contacts .................. 58
Answering and rejecting a call ....58
Adjusting call volume .................58
Making a second call .................59
Viewing your call logs ................. 59
Call settings ............................... 59
Contacts .................................... 61
Searching for a contact ..............61
Adding a new contact .................61
Favourite contacts ...................... 61
Messaging/Email ........................63
Messaging ................................. 63
Sending a message ....................63
Changing your message settings 64
Opening your email and email
accounts screen.........................64
Composing and sending email .... 65
Working with account folders ......66
Adding and editing email
accounts ....................................67
Social networking ......................68
Adding your account to your
phone ........................................ 68
Viewing and updating your
status ........................................ 68
Removing accounts on your
phone ........................................ 69
Camera ....................................... 70
Getting to know the viewfi nder ....70
Taking a quick photo ................. 71
Once you’ve taken the photo ......71
Using the advanced settings ....... 72
Using the focus mode.................74
Viewing your saved photos .........74
Video camera .............................75
Getting to know the viewfi nder ....75
Shooting a quick video ...............76
After shooting a video .................76
Using the advanced settings ....... 77
Watching your saved videos .......78
Adjusting the volume when viewing
a video ......................................78
Multimedia ................................. 79
Gallery ....................................... 79
To change how the contents of an
album are displayed ................... 79
Music ........................................ 79
Playing a song ...........................79
Using the radio ...........................80
Searching for stations.................81
Listening to the radio ..................81
Transferring fi les using USB mass
storage devices .......................... 81
How to save music/video fi les to
your phone ................................82
How to move contacts from your old
phone to your current phone .......83
How to send data from your phone
via Bluetooth .............................. 83
Google applications ....................85
Maps ......................................... 85
Market .......................................85
Gmail.........................................85
Talk ...........................................86
Google Search ...........................86
YouTube ..................................... 86
3
Contents
Utilities ....................................... 87
Setting your alarm ...................... 87
Using your calculator .................. 87
Adding an event to your calendar 87
Recording a sound or voice ........88
Sending the voice recording .......88
The Web ...................................... 89
Browser ..................................... 89
Using options ............................. 89
Settings ...................................... 90
Wireless & networks...................90
Sound ........................................91
Display .....................................92
Gesture ..................................... 92
Location & security ....................93
Applications ............................... 94
Accounts & sync .......................95
Privacy ...................................... 95
SD card & phone storage ...........95
Language & keyboard ................96
Voice input & output ................... 96
Accessibility ............................... 97
HDMI ......................................... 97
Date & time ...............................98
About phone ..............................98
Wi-Fi ......................................... 98
Turn on Wi-Fi ............................. 98
To connect to Wi-Fi .................... 99
Sharing your phone’s mobile data
connection ................................. 99
4
USB tethering & portable Wi-Fi
hotspot settings .......................100
To share your phone’s data
connection via USB ..................100
USB tethering and data sharing 101
To share your phone’s data
connection as a portable Wi-Fi
hotspot .................................... 101
To rename or secure your portable
hotspot .................................... 102
Using SmartShare ...................103
Enabling Wi-Fi Direct to share
through SmartShare ................. 104
How to use On-Screen Phone ... 105
On-Screen Phone icons ............105
On-Screen Phone features .......106
How to install On-Screen Phone on
your PC ...................................106
How to connect your mobile phone
to your PC ................................107
To check the phone to PC
connection .............................. 108
To disconnect your phone from your
PC ........................................... 108
Phone Software update ............108
Copyrights and trademarks .....110
Accessories .............................. 112
Troubleshooting ........................113
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 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.
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.
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.
•
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
6
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 handsfree 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
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.
7
For Your Safety
Use accessories, such as
•
earphones and headsets, with
caution. Ensure that cables are
tucked away safely and do not
touch the antenna unnecessarily.
Memory card information
and care
Always insert/ remove the memory
•
card while the handset power
is off. If you remove it while the
power is on, it may be damaged.
If a damage cannot be fixed,
•
format the memory card.
The memory card cannot be used
•
for recording copyright protected
data.
Do not write forcefully on the
•
memo area.
Carry and store the memory card
•
in its case.
Do not allow the memory card to
•
get wet.
Do not leave the memory card in
•
extremely hot location.
8
Do not disassemble or modify the
•
memory card.
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 2 cm (0.79
inches) between the user’s body and
the back of the phone. To comply
with FCC RF exposure requirements,
a minimum separation distance
of 2 cm (0.79 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 should not
be used.
Body-worn accessories that cannot
maintain 2 cm (0.79 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
20cm (8 inches) must be maintained
between the user/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
9
For Your Safety
FCC Part 15 Class B
Compliance
This device and its accessories
comply 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 and its accessories
may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device and its
accessories must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Cautions for Battery
Do not disassemble.
•
Do not short-circuit.
•
Do not expose to high
•
temperature: 140°F (60°C).
Do not incinerate.
•
10
Battery Disposal
Please dispose of your battery
•
properly or bring to your local
wireless carrier for recycling.
Do not dispose in fire or with
•
hazardous or flammable materials.
Adapter (Charger)
Cautions
•
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
sound 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.
11
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
12
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).
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;
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.
13
Safety Guidelines
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.
If you have any reason to suspect
•
that interference is taking place,
turn your phone OFF immediately.
14
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 twoway 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
15
Safety Guidelines
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
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
the times after reading it.
16
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.
•
Keep the battery’s metal contacts
clean.
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.
•
The self-protection function of
the battery cuts the power of the
phone when its operation is in
an abnormal state. In this case,
remove the battery from the
phone, reinstall it, and turn the
phone on.
•
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.
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.
17
Safety Guidelines
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-circuit 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.
18
When the phone is not 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 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.
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.
19
Safety Guidelines
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.
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:
20
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 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
21
Safety Guidelines
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
22
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 cancercausing 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
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Safety Guidelines
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 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.
24
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 SpatialPeak 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 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.
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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
26
to a remote antenna. Again, the
scientific data do 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 ‘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
27
Safety Guidelines
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 Nonlonizing Radiation Protection
(http://www.icnirp.de)
World Health Organization (WHO)
International EMF Project
(http://www.who.int/emf)
National Radiological Protection
Board (UK)
(http://www.nrpb.org.uk/)
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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.
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