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 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
long-term exposures, since the average period of phone use in these studies was
around three years.
What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless phones poses
a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological studies of people actually
using wireless phones would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime
animal exposure studies could be completed in a few years. However, very large
numbers of animals would be needed to provide reliable proof of a cancer
promoting effect if one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that is
directly applicable to human populations, but 10 or more years' follow-up may be
needed to provide answers about some health effects, such as cancer. This is
because the interval between the time of exposure to a cancer-causing agent and
the time tumors develop - if they do - may be many, many years. The interpretation
of epidemiological studies is hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF
exposure during day-to-day use of wireless phones. Many factors affect this
measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which model of
phone is used.
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
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Summary of Contents for Mobile Kids
Page 1: ...User Guide for Parents...
