Samsung SGH-I617, User Manual

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Section 18: Health and Safety Information 201
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. CTIA-funded research is conducted through contracts to
independent investigators. The initial research will include both laboratory
studies and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a