LG Electronics USA P769 User Manual

LG-P769

LG-P769 User Guide

This guide helps you get started using your phone.

If you need more information, please visit www.lg.com.

• Some of the contents of this manual may not apply to
your phone. This depends on your phone’s software
and your service provider.

• This handset is not recommended for the visually
impaired because of its touch screen keyboard.

• Copyright ©2012 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.

• Google™, Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google
Talk™ and Play Store™ are trademarks of Google,
Inc.

English

For Your Safety

Safety Information

Please read and observe the following
information for safe and proper use of your
phone and to prevent damage.

WARNING! This product contains
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

Violation of the instructions may
cause minor or serious damage to
the product.

• Do not disassemble or open crush, bend
or deform, puncture or shred.

• Repairs under warranty, at LG’s
option, may include replacement
parts or boards that are either new or
reconditioned, provided that they have
functionality equal to that of the parts
being replaced.

• Do not modify or remanufacture, attempt
to insert foreign objects into the battery,
immerse or expose to water or other
liquids, expose to fire, explosion or other

6

hazard.

• Only use the battery for the system for
which it is specified.

• Only use the battery with a charging
system that has been qualified with
the system per this standard. Use of
an unqualified battery or charger may
present a risk of fire, explosion, leakage,
or other hazard.

• Do not short circuit a battery or allow
metallic conductive objects to contact
battery terminals.

• Replace the battery only with another
battery that has been qualified with
the system per this standard, IEEE­Std-1725-200x. Use of an unqualified
battery may present a risk of fire,
explosion, leakage or other hazard.

• Promptly dispose of used batteries in
accordance with local regulations.

• Battery usage by children should be
supervised.

• Avoid dropping the phone or battery.
If the phone or battery is dropped,
especially on a hard surface, and the
user suspects damage, take it to a
service center for inspection.

• Improper battery use may result in a fire,
explosion or other hazard.

• For those host devices that utilize a
USB port as a charging source, the host
device’s user manual shall include a
statement that the phone shall only be
connected to products that bear the
USB-IF logo or have completed the USB­IF compliance program.

Charger and Adapter Safety

• The charger and adapter are intended
for indoor use only.

• Insert the battery pack charger vertically
into the wall power socket.

• Unplug the power cord and charger
during lightning storms to avoid electric
shock or fire.

• Use the correct adapter for your phone
when using the battery pack charger
abroad.

Battery Information and Care

• Please read the manual of proper
installation and removal of the battery.

• Please read the manual of specified
charger about charging method.

• Do not damage the power cord by
bending, twisting, or heating. Do not use
the plug if it is loose as it may cause
electric shock or fire.
Do not place any heavy items on the
power cord. Do not allow the power cord
to be crimped as it may cause electric
shock or fire.

• Unplug the power cord prior to cleaning
your phone, and clean the power
plug pin when it’s dirty. When using
the power plug, ensure that it’s firmly
connected. If 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 short-circuit the
phone. Short-circuit of the terminal
may damage the battery and cause an
explosion. Always cover the receptacle
when not in use.

• Recharge the battery after long periods
of non-use to maximize battery life.
Battery life will vary due to usage pattern
and environmental conditions.

7

For Your Safety

• Never store your phone in temperature
less than -4 °F or greater than 122 °F.

• Charging temperature range is between
32 °F and 113 °F. Do not charge
the battery out of recommended
temperature range. Charging out of
recommended range might cause the
generating heat or serious damage of
battery. And also, it might cause the
deterioration of battery’s characteristics
and cycle life.

• Do not use or leave the battery under
the blazing sun or in heated car by
sunshine. The battery may generate
heat, smoke or flame. And also, it might
cause the deterioration of battery’s
characteristics or cycle life.

• The battery pack has protection
circuit to avoid the danger. Do not use
near places that can generate static
electricity more than 100V which could
damage the protection circuit. Damaged
protection circuits may generate smoke,
rupture or ignite.

• When using the battery for the first time,
if it emits a bad smell, you see rust on
it, or anything else abnormal, do not use
the equipment and bring the battery to
the shop which it was bought.

8

• Keep batteries away from babies and
small children. If children use the
battery, their parents or legal guardians
are responsible for supervising and
teaching them about the safe handling
of batteries and how to use batteries
according to the manual with care.

• If liquid from the battery rubs against
skin or clothing, wash with fresh water.
It may cause the skin inflammation.
Remove and do not use the battery. Be
careful that children do not swallow any
parts (such as earphone, connection
parts of the phone, etc.). This could
cause asphyxiation or suffocation
resulting in serious injury or death.

• 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 place or answer calls while
charging the phone as it may short­circuit the phone and/or cause electric
shock or fire.

• Do not use harsh chemicals (such as
alcohol, benzene, thinners, etc.) or
detergents to clean your phone. This
could cause a fire.

• Always unplug the charger from the wall
socket after the phone is fully charged
to save unnecessary power consumption
of the charger.

Care and Maintenance

Your mobile device is a product of superior
design and craftsmanship and should be
treated with care. The suggestions below
will help you fulfill any warranty obligations
and allow you to enjoy this product for
many years:

Keep your Mobile Device away
from:

Liquids of any kind

Keep the mobile device dry. Precipitation,
humidity, and liquids contain minerals that
will corrode electronic circuits. If the mobile
device does get wet, do not accelerate
drying with the use of an oven, microwave,
or dryer, because this may damage the
mobile device and could cause a fire or
explosion.

Do not use the mobile device with a wet
hand.

Doing so may cause an electric shock to
you or damage to the mobile device.

Extreme heat or cold

Avoid temperatures below 0°C / 32°F or
above 45°C / 113°F.

Microwaves

Do not try to dry your mobile device in a
microwave oven. Doing so may cause a fire
or explosion.

Dust and dirt

Do not expose your mobile device to dust,
dirt, or sand.

Sunscreen lotion

Do not expose or wear your device to any
liquid like sunscreen lotion.

Doing so may cause your device to or
damage to the mobile device.

Cleaning solutions

Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning
solvents, or strong detergents to clean the
mobile device.

Wipe it with a soft cloths lightly dampened
in a mild soap-and-water solution.

9

For Your Safety

Shock or vibration

Do not drop, knock, or shake the mobile
device.

Rough handling can break internal circuit
boards.

Paint

Do not paint the mobile device. Paint can
clog the device’smoving parts or ventilation
openings and prevent proper operation.

General Notice

• 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.

• 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.

10

• 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
Center to replace the damaged antenna.

• 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. (Ringtones, 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 ringtone to vibration so
you don’t disturb others.

• Do not turn your phone on or off when
putting it to 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

FCC Part 15 Class B Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of
FCC rules. 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 causes
undesired operation.

may result in discomfort or minor burns.
Therefore, use care when handling
your phone during or immediately after
operation.

Use accessories, such as earphones and
headsets, with caution. Ensure that cables
are tucked away safely and do not touch
the antenna unnecessarily.

FCC Part 15 Class B Compliance

This device and its accessories comply
with part 15 of FCC rules. 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 causes undesired operation.

Part 15.21 statement

Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

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
interference to 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,
the user is encouraged to 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.

11

For Your Safety

• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

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.

Bodily Contact During Operation

This device was tested for typical use with
the back of the phone kept 0.39 inches
(1 cm) from the body. To comply with FCC
RF exposure requirements, a minimum
separation distance of 0.39 inches (1
cm) must be maintained between the

12

user’s body and the back of the phone,
including the antenna, whether extended
or retracted. Third-party belt-clips, holsters,
and similar accessories containing metallic
components should not be used. Avoid the
use of accessories that cannot maintain

0.39 inches (1 cm) distance between the
user’s body and the back of the phone and
have not been tested for compliance with
FCC RF exposure limits.

Vehicle-Mounted External
Antenna

(Optional, if available.)
To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements,

keep 8 inches (20 cm) between the user
/ bystander and vehicle-mounted external
antenna. For more information about RF
exposure, visit the FCC website at www.
fcc.gov.

Caution

Use only the supplied antenna. Use of
unauthorized antennas (or modifications
to the antenna) could impair call quality,
damage the phone, void your warranty and/
or violate FCC regulations.

Don’t use the phone with a damaged
antenna. A damaged antenna could cause
a minor skin burn. Contact your local dealer
for a replacement antenna.

Consumer Information
About Radio Frequency
Emissions

Your wireless phone, which
contains a radio transmitter
and receiver, emits radio
frequency energy during
use. The following consumer
information addresses
commonly asked questions
about the health effects of
wireless phones.

Are wireless phones safe?

Scientific research on the subject of
wireless phones and radio frequency (“RF”)
energy has been conducted worldwide for
many years, and continues. In the United
States, the Food and Drug Administration
(“FDA”) and the Federal Communications
Commission (“FCC”) set policies and

procedures for wireless phones. The FDA
issued a website publication on health
issues related to cell phone usage where it
states, “The scientific community at large
… believes that the weight of scientific
evidence does not show an association
between exposure to radiofrequency (RF)
from cell phones and adverse health
outcomes. Still the scientific community
does recommend conducting additional
research to address gaps in knowledge.
That research is being conducted around
the world and FDA continues to monitor
developments in this field. You can access
the joint FDA/FCC website at http://www.
fda.gov (under “C” in the subject index,
select Cell Phones > Research). You can
also contact the FDA toll-free at (888)
463-6332 or (888) INFO-FDA. In June
2000, the FDA entered into a cooperative
research and development agreement
through which additional scientific research
is being conducted. The FCC issued its
own website publication stating that “there
is no scientific evidence that proves that
wireless phone usage can lead to cancer
or a variety of other problems, including
headaches, dizziness or memory loss.”

13

For Your Safety

This publication is available at http://www.
fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety or through the FCC at
[phone] or (888) CALL-FCC.

What does “SAR” mean?

In 1996, the FCC, working with the FDA,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
and other agencies, established RF
exposure safety guidelines for wireless
phones in the United States. Before a
wireless phone model is available for sale
to the public, it must be tested by the
manufacturer and certified to the FCC that
it does not exceed limits established by
the FCC. One of these limits is expressed
as a Specific Absorption Rate, or “SAR.”
SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption
of RF energy in the body. Tests for SAR
are conducted with the phone transmitting
at its highest power level in all tested
frequency bands. Since 1996, the FCC has
required that the SAR of handheld wireless
phones not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram,
averaged over one gram of tissue.

Although the SAR is determined at the
highest power level, the actual SAR value
of a wireless phone while operating can
be less than the reported SAR value. This
is because the SAR value may vary from

14

call to call, depending on factors such as
proximity to a cell site, the proximity of the
phone to the body while in use, and the
use of hands-free devices. Before a phone
model is available for sale to the public,
it must be tested and certified to the FCC
that it does not exceed the limit established
by the government-adopted requirement
for safe exposure. The tests are performed
in positions and locations (e.g., at the ear
and worn on the body) as required by the
FCC for each model.

The highest SAR value for this model
phone when tested for use at the ear is

0.XX W/kg and when worn on the body, as
described in this user guide, is X.XX W/kg
(body-worn measurements differ among
phone models, depending upon available
accessories and FCC requirements).

While there may be differences between
SAR levels of various phones and at various
positions, they all meet the government
requirement for safe exposure.

The FCC has granted an Equipment
Authorization for this model phone with
all reported SAR levels evaluated as in
compliance with the FCC RF emission
guidelines. SAR information on this model

phone is on file with the FCC and can be

ZNFP769 .

found under the Display Grant section
of http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ after
searching on FCC ID BEJC729.

For more information about SARs, see
the FCC’s OET Bulletins 56 and 65 at
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_
Technology/Documents/bulletins or visit
the Cellular Telecommunications Industry
Association website at http://www.ctia.org/
consumer_info/index.cfm/AID/10371. You
may also wish to contact the manufacturer
of your phone.

Can I minimize my RF exposure?

If you are concerned about RF, there
are several simple steps you can take
to minimize your RF exposure. You can,
of course, reduce your talk time. You
can place more distance between your
body and the source of the RF, as the
exposure level drops off dramatically with
distance. The FDA/FCC website states that
“hands-free kits can be used with wireless
phones for convenience and comfort.
These systems reduce the absorption of
RF energy in the head because the phone,
which is the source of the RF emissions,
will not be placed against the head. On

the other hand, if the phone is mounted
against the waist or other part of the body
during use, then that part of the body will
absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones
marketed in the U.S. are required to meet
safety requirements regardless of whether
they are used against the head or against
the body. Either configuration should result
in compliance with the safety limit.” Also,
if you use your wireless phone while in a
car, you can use a phone with an antenna
on the outside of the vehicle. You should
also read and follow your wireless phone
manufacturer’s instructions for the safe
operation of your phone.

Do wireless phones pose any
special risks to children?

The FDA/FCC website states that “the
scientific evidence does not show a
danger to users of wireless communication
devices, including children.” The FDA/FCC
website further states that “some groups
sponsored by other national governments
have advised that children be discouraged
from using wireless phones at all”. For
example, the Stewart Report from the
United Kingdom [“UK”] made such a
recommendation in December 2000. In

15

For Your Safety

this report a group of independent experts
noted that no evidence exists that using a
cell phone causes brain tumors or other
ill effects. [The UK’s] recommendation
to limit cell phone use by children was
strictly precautionary; it was not based on
scientific evidence that any health hazard
exists. A copy of the UK’s leaflet is available
at http://www.dh.gov.uk (search “mobile”),
or you can write to: NRPB, Chilton, Didcot,
Oxon OX11 ORQ, United Kingdom. Copies
of the UK’s annual reports on mobile
phones and RF are available online at
www.iegmp.org.uk and http://www.hpa.
org.uk/radiation/ (search “mobile”). Parents
who wish to reduce their children’s RF
exposure may choose to restrict their
children’s wireless phone use.

Where can I get further
information about RF emissions?

For further information, see the following
additional resources (websites current as
of April 2005):

16

U.S. Food and Drug
Administration

FDA Consumer magazine
November-December 2000
Telephone: (888) INFO-FDA
http://www.fda.gov (Under “C” in the

subject index, select Cell Phones >
Research.)

U.S. Federal Communications
Commission

445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Telephone: [phone]
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety

Independent Expert Group on
Mobile Phones

http://www.iegmp.org.uk

Royal Society of Canada Expert
Panels on Potential Health Risks
of Radio Frequency Fields from
Wireless Telecommunication
Devices

283 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X9
Canada
Telephone: [phone]

World Health Organization

Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Telephone: [phone]
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/

factsheets/fs193/en/

International Commission
on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection

c/o Bundesamt fur Strahlenschutz
Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1
85764 Oberschleissheim
Germany

Telephone: [phone] 2156
http://www.icnirp.de

American National Standards
Institute

1819 L Street, N.W., 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone: [phone]
http://www.ansi.org

National Council on Radiation
Protection and Measurements

7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20814-3095
Telephone: [phone]
http://www.ncrponline.org

Engineering in Medicine and
Biology Society, Committee on
Man and Radiation (COMAR) of
the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers

http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/embs/comar/

17

For Your Safety

TIA Safety Information

The following is the complete TIA Safety
Information for wireless handheld phones.

Exposure to Radio Frequency
Signal

Your wireless handheld portable phone is
a low power radio transmitter and receiver.
When ON, it receives and 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)
* American National Standards Institute;

National Council on Radiation Protection
and Measurements; International
Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection

Those standards were based on
comprehensive and periodic evaluations

18

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).

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 Effi cient Operation

For your phone to operate most efficiently:
Don’t 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.

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:

• Should ALWAYS keep the phone more
than six (6) 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;

• Should turn the phone OFF immediately
if there is any reason to suspect that
interference is taking place.

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 (or call the customer
service line to discuss alternatives).

Other Medical Devices

If you use any other personal medical
device, consult the manufacturer of your
device to determine if it is 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.

19

For Your Safety

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. Switch OFF your phone
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.

20

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 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.

FDA Consumer Update

The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration’s Center 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
(RF) energy in the microwave range while
being used. They also emit very low levels
of RF when in idle 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
(RF) energy 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

21

For Your Safety

and to repair, replace, or recall the phones
so that the hazard no longer exists.

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 users 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

22

• 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 built-in
antennas, often called “cell”, “mobile”, or
“PCS” phones. These types of wireless
phones can expose the user to measurable
Radio Frequency (RF) energy 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 Radio Frequency (RF) energy
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
pre-disposed 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 do
not 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

23

For Your Safety

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 ten or more years follow-

24

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 fi nd
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 Radio
Frequency (RF) energy.

The FDA has been a leading participant in
the World Health Organization International
Electro Magnetic 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.
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. The CRADA will also include
a broad assessment of additional research
needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.

The project

7. How can I fi nd out how much

Radio Frequency 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
Radio Frequency (RF) energy 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
phones 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

25

For Your Safety

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 Radio Frequency
energy coming from wireless
phones?

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) is developing a technical
standard for measuring the Radio
Frequency (RF) energy 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 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.

26

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 Radio
Frequency 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
Radio Frequency (RF) energy. 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

Again, the scientific data does

antenna.
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
Radio Frequency (RF) energy, 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?

Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless
phones can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, the FDA helped
develop a detailed test method to measure
Electro Magnetic 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.

27

For Your Safety

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 fi nd additional
information?

For additional information, please refer to
the following resources:

Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) RF Safety Program

(http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
International Commission on Non-lonizing

Radiation Protection

28

(http://www.icnirp.de)
World Health Organization (WHO)

International EMF Project
(http://www.who.int/emf)
National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
(http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/)

Driving

Check the laws and regulations on the use
of wireless phones in the areas where you
drive and always obey them. Also, if using
your phone while driving, please observe
the following:

• 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
or the law require it.