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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 phones 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 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.
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 radio frequency energy (RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the 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.
FDA and Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight,
obtaining input from experts in government, industry, and academic organizations.
t559.book Page 131 Friday, June 19, 2009 11:09 AM
