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Safety
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-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 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. 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
