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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
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