Health and safety information
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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
