human health.
Three large epidemiology studies have been published
since December 2000. Between them, the studies
investigated any possible association between the use
of wireless phones and primary brain cancer, glioma,
meningioma, or acoustic neuroma, tumors of the brain
or salivary gland, leukemia, or other cancers. None of
the studies demonstrated the existence of any
harmful health effects from wireless phone RF
exposures.
However, none of the studies can answer questions
about longterm exposures, since the average period of
phone use in these studies was around three years.
5. What research is needed to decide whether RF
exposure from wireless phones poses a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and
epidemiological studies of people actually using
wireless phones would provide some of the data
that are needed. Lifetime animal exposure studies
could be completed in a few years. However, very
large numbers of animals would be needed to
provide reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect
if one exists. Epidemiological studies can provide
data that is directly applicable to human
populations,
but 10 or more years follow-up may be needed to
provide answers about some health effects, such as
cancer. This is because the interval between the
time of exposure to a cancer-causing agent and the
time tumors develop - if they do - may be many,
many years. The interpretation of epidemiological
studies is hampered by difficulties in measuring
actual RF exposure during dayto- 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 FDA doing to find out more about the
possible health effects of wireless phone RF?
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).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World
Health Organization International Electromagnetic
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TIA Safety Information
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