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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, gioma, 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
long-term exposures, since the average period of
phone use in these studies was around three years.
11.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 day-to-day use of
wireless phones. Many factors affect this
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161
measurement, such as the angle at which the
phone is held, or which model of phone is used.
12.Which other federal agencies have
responsibilities related to potential RF health
effects?
Additional information on the safety of RF
exposures from various sources can be obtained
from the following organizations.
FCC RF Safety Program:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s
(OSHA):
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/
radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emfpg.html
World health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/
International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection:
http://www.icnirp.de
National Radiation Protection Board (UK):
http://www.nrpb.org.uk
Updated 4/3/2002: US Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cellphones
Summary of Contents for SGH-N707
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